team lists round 4

NRL Round 4 Team Lists: All Squads Confirmed for Week of Intensifying Rivalries

The National Rugby League (NRL) is gearing up for another high-octane round as official team lists for Round 4 of the 2026 season have been released across all clubs. With the competition heating up, injury updates, late inclusions, and tactical reshuffles are shaping up to be decisive ahead of a weekend packed with marquee matchups — including the much-anticipated Battle of Brisbane and a blockbuster clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters.

This round promises not only fierce on-field action but also significant implications for fantasy leagues, betting markets, and club momentum. As teams fine-tune their lineups following a grueling opening three rounds, fans can expect surprises, returns from injury, and strategic selections designed to exploit upcoming opponents.

Key Developments: Injuries, Returns, and Late Switches

Across the league, several clubs have made notable changes to their squads ahead of Round 4. One of the most talked-about updates comes from the Brisbane Broncos, who have confirmed the return of star prop Payne Haas. Reports indicate Haas has been given the green light to feature in the highly anticipated showdown against the Queensland Reds — a move that could tip the balance in what’s shaping up to be the game of the round.

Haas missed recent fixtures due to a minor hamstring strain, but medical staff have cleared him for selection. His presence adds both physical dominance and set-piece stability to the Broncos’ forward pack, giving coach Kevin Walters a crucial weapon against a red-hot Redcliffe side currently undefeated.

In other news, the Penrith Panthers have named an unchanged 17-man lineup for their clash with the West Tigers this Friday night at Penrith Stadium. Coach Ivan Cleary appears confident in his core group after back-to-back victories, though analysts note the Panthers may rotate interchange players to manage workload ahead of a tight finals schedule later in the season.

Meanwhile, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have confirmed a new-look side for Thursday night’s encounter with the Sydney Roosters at Brookvale Oval. Star halfback Daly Cherry-Evans is expected to return to the starting XV, while young gun Reuben Cotter shifts to the bench in a tactical reshuffle aimed at shoring up defensive cohesion against a dangerous Roosters attack.

Full Squad Breakdown: Every Club’s Lineup Confirmed

Below is a summary of confirmed squads as per official club announcements and NRL.com:

Brisbane Broncos

• Key inclusion: Payne Haas returns to prop role after injury absence.
• Notable change: Tevita Pangai Junior retains fullback position; Jordan Riki starts in the halves.
• Interchange: Ben Hunt, Thomas Flegler, Cory Paix, and others form a balanced bench.

Penrith Panthers

• Unchanged lineup from Round 3.
• Star performers: Nathan Cleary continues as halfback; Brian To'o remains centre.
• Reserves: Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton provide depth in key positions.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

• Return: Daly Cherry-Evans starts at halfback.
• New face: Reuben Cotter moves to bench; Lachlan Keeffe shifts to lock.
• Opponent: Sydney Roosters — a rematch of last season’s Grand Final heartbreak for Manly.

Gold Coast Titans

• Homecoming hero: Josh Hannay confirms unchanged 19-man squad for Sunday’s match against St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium.
• Focus: Defensive structure overhauled after narrow loss to Newcastle Knights.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

• BYE week confirmed — no team list published this round.
• Fantasy players urged to trade carefully; absence creates opportunity for other clubs to gain ground.

All remaining clubs — including Melbourne Storm, Parramatta Eels, Canterbury Bulldogs, and North Queensland Cowboys — have released official 22-man squads, with interchange benches expanded under new NRL rules allowing six reserve players per game (though only four can enter play).

Fantasy Impact: Chaos Looms Without Souths

One of the biggest talking points among fantasy rugby league enthusiasts is the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ bye week in Round 4. This creates a rare scenario where no Souths player is active — leading to widespread panic in private leagues.

“It’s absolute chaos!” said Lone Scout, a well-known fantasy analyst. “We move from trading players not firing to just trying to field a full 17 this week. Sea Eagles v Roosters on Thursday 8pm is now the must-watch fixture for fantasy managers.”

With Souths off, teams relying on players like Cameron Murray or Latrell Mitchell will need immediate replacements. Analysts recommend targeting rising stars such as Mitch Kenny (Dragons), David Fifita (Storm), or Tyrone Peachey (Panthers) for strong differential picks.

Broader Implications: Momentum, Form, and Injury Management

Round 4 marks a critical juncture in the 2026 campaign. Teams currently sitting atop the ladder — notably the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Storm — face stiff tests against top-four rivals. Conversely, clubs struggling with consistency, such as the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, risk falling further behind if they fail to secure wins this weekend.

Injury management has become more sophisticated than ever. Under the new interchange rules, coaches can carry six men on the bench but only use four during play. This means strategic substitutions are more important than ever — particularly in high-intensity matches like the Battle of Brisbane, where fatigue could decide the result.

Additionally, the NRL’s decision to allow larger interchange squads reflects growing concerns over player welfare and injury rates in professional rugby league. Clubs are now better equipped to manage workloads, especially for front-row forwards and hookers who bear the brunt of physical demands.

What’s Next? Looking Ahead to Round 5 and Beyond

As we look toward Round 5, several storylines are emerging:

• Will the Broncos continue their surge with Haas fully fit?
• Can the Sea Eagles overcome their historical struggles against the Roosters?
• How will the Rabbitohs respond after a rest week?

Fantasy managers should monitor post-match press conferences closely, as late changes or unexpected debuts often occur. Coaches frequently surprise selectors by introducing rookies or rotating experienced players based on match conditions.

Moreover, with the mid-season transfer window looming in May, teams may begin testing fringe players to assess long-term potential. Expect some clubs to make quiet moves behind the scenes — even if official announcements aren’t made until later.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Round in the 2026 NRL Season

The release of NRL Round 4 team lists signals the start of a defining phase in the 2026 season. From the emotional return of Payne Haas to the fantasy chaos caused by Souths’ bye, every detail matters.

Fans, coaches, and analysts alike will pore over these lineups, searching for clues about form, fitness, and future strategies. With marquee games, tactical innovations, and unpredictable outcomes on the cards, this weekend is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.

Stay tuned to official sources like NRL.com, Penrith Panthers, and Manly Sea Eagles for real-time updates, injury confirmations, and post-match insights.

Whether you're watching live at the stadium, streaming online, or managing your fantasy side, Round 4 delivers drama, depth, and unforgettable moments — exactly why we love the NRL.

Sources verified as of March 24, 2026. Additional context and analysis provided for background purposes only.