The lead-up to Round 26 of the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership has been overshadowed by a devastating blow for the Brisbane Broncos, with star playmaker Adam Reynolds re-injuring his hamstring at training. The setback has cast major doubt over his availability for the finals, while across town, Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth is edging closer to a timely return.
The drama unfolded midweek at Broncos training, where Reynolds pulled up sharply during a session. The Courier Mail confirmed the 34-year-old suffered an aggravation of his hamstring tear, ruling him out of Saturday’s Queensland derby against the Cowboys in Townsville. He is scheduled for scans on Friday to determine the full extent of the damage, but early reports suggest the halfback could also miss the opening week of the finals.
“Adam Reynolds has re-aggravated his hamstring tear at Broncos training,” journalist Peter Badel reported on X. “Set to have scans. Out of Cowboys clash and could miss the opening week of the finals.”
It is a hammer blow for coach Michael Maguire’s side, who were already reeling from the loss of five-eighth Ezra Mam, sidelined for the season. With the club bracing for a sudden-death final, the Broncos’ attack now looks alarmingly light on experience.
To add to Brisbane’s woes, Payne Haas was also absent from training this week, quarantined after coming down with the flu. While the star forward is still expected to face the Cowboys, the timing is far from ideal as the team gears up for a crucial run.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins received a much-needed lift as Herbie Farnworth made strong progress in his recovery from a hamstring strain. According to AAP’s Joel Gould, Farnworth was sprinting and changing direction at training, a clear sign that he is closing in on a comeback. The Dolphins are hopeful he will be fit for next week’s clash with Canberra, their final regular-season game.
With the Dolphins needing to win their last two matches and relying on the Roosters to drop at least one of theirs, Farnworth’s return could not be more timely. The strike centre’s presence would give Wayne Bennett’s men a significant boost as they chase a maiden finals appearance.
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ROUND 26 FIXTURES & LATE MAIL
Thursday, August 28 – Bulldogs vs. Panthers (Accor Stadium, 7.50pm AEST)
The Bulldogs will field their full-strength line-up, resisting the temptation to rest players. Their backline features Stephen Crichton against his former club, while Matt Burton and Lachlan Galvin partner in the halves.
Penrith, on the other hand, will roll out a vastly different squad. Coach Ivan Cleary confirmed that 16 of the 17 players who featured in last week’s loss to Canberra will be rested, with Daine Laurie, Brad Schneider, and Matthew Eisenhuth leading a second-string side. Cleary defended the controversial decision, noting, “Every decision I make has ramifications. This one was fairly clear.”
Friday, August 29 – Warriors vs. Eels (Go Media Stadium, 6.00pm AEST)
The Warriors are boosted by the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the wing, while Chanel Harris-Tavita and Tanah Boyd steer the halves. James Fisher-Harris anchors the pack. Parramatta counters with Mitchell Moses calling the shots alongside Dylan Brown, and Josh Addo-Carr providing firepower out wide.
Friday, August 29 – Storm vs. Roosters (AAMI Park, 8.05pm AEST)
Melbourne are set to field Ryan Papenhuyzen at fullback with Cameron Munster and Tyran Wishart in the halves. Nelson Asofa-Solomona headlines their forward rotation. The Roosters, led by James Tedesco and Daniel Tupou, bring plenty of strike, with Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins forming a bruising front row.
Saturday, August 30 – Raiders vs. Tigers (GIO Stadium, 3.00pm AEST)
Canberra will rely on Jamal Fogarty’s game management and the power of Josh Papali’i and Joseph Tapine up front. The Tigers welcome back Jarome Luai in the No. 6 jersey, alongside Latu Fainui at halfback.
Saturday, August 30 – Dragons vs. Sea Eagles (Jubilee Stadium, 5.30pm AEST)
The Dragons will roll out new recruit Clinton Gutherson at fullback, with Damien Cook directing traffic from dummy-half. The Sea Eagles’ star attraction is Tom Trbojevic, who partners Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks in a backline loaded with firepower.
Saturday, August 30 – Cowboys vs. Broncos (Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7.35pm AEST)
It will be an emotional night in Townsville as veteran forward Jordan McLean plays his final NRL game before retirement. The Cowboys will be desperate to finish their season with a win in front of their home fans. The Broncos, minus Reynolds, will shift Ben Hunt into the No. 7 role with Billy Walters alongside him. Their forward pack, led by Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas (pending recovery), remains formidable.
Sunday, August 31 – Sharks vs. Knights (Sharks Stadium, 2.00pm AEST)
Cronulla boasts Nicho Hynes and Addin Fonua-Blake as their key figures. The Knights counter with a strong backline featuring Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, and Dominic Young, while Tyson Frizell leads the forward unit.
Sunday, August 31 – Dolphins vs. Titans (Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEST)
Herbie Farnworth won’t be rushed back this week, but the Dolphins remain optimistic for Round 27. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jamayne Isaako headline their backline, while Jeremy Marshall-King provides spark at hooker. For the Titans, AJ Brimson returns at fullback, with Jayden Campbell and Kieran Foran steering the halves. Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui locks the scrum in a side determined to spoil their Queensland rivals’ finals charge.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Round 26 promises to be one of the most decisive weekends of the season. The Bulldogs and Panthers headline Thursday with contrasting approaches—one at full strength, the other resting almost everyone. Friday’s doubleheader could reshape the top-eight battle, while Saturday’s Queensland derby carries heavy emotional weight, not only because of Reynolds’ absence but also McLean’s farewell.
For the Broncos, their premiership hopes may hinge on how quickly Reynolds recovers. For the Dolphins, Farnworth’s potential return could yet spark a late-season surge into the finals.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the injury toll and bold coaching calls are setting the stage for a dramatic September.
