Official team lists for Round 6 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership have been released, featuring significant roster changes and the implementation of new interchange rules. The round begins on April 9, 2026, with a matchup between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium.
The Bulldogs enter the contest facing a major blow to their leadership, as captain Stephen Crichton has been ruled out for multiple weeks due to an AC joint injury. According to reporting from The Sporting News, Crichton will be replaced in the lineup by the returning Bronson Xerri.
Bulldogs and Panthers Lineups
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has maintained his core structure despite the injury to Crichton. Matt Burton will remain at five-eighth, with Lachlan Galvin playing at number seven and Sean O’Sullivan named on the bench. Mitchell Woods has not been included in the squad.
The full Bulldogs squad for the April 9 match is as follows:
- 1. Connor Tracey
- 2. Jacob Kiraz
- 3. Enari Tuala
- 4. Bronson Xerri
- 5. Marcelo Montoya
- 6. Matt Burton
- 7. Lachlan Galvin
- 8. Max King
- 9. Bailey Hayward
- 10. Samuel Hughes
- 11. Viliame Kikau
- 12. Jacob Preston
- 13. Jaeman Salmon
- 14. Kurt Mann
- 15. Sitili Tupouniua
- 16. Harry Hayes
- 17. Sean O’Sullivan
- 18. Jake Turpin
- 19. Lipoi Hopoi
The Bulldogs have also named Alekolasimi Jones, Logan Spinks, and Jethro Rinakama as reserves.
The Penrith Panthers enter the game as favorites with a squad captained by Isaah Yeo. Their lineup for the clash includes:
- 1. Dylan Edwards
- 2. Thomas Jenkins
- 3. Paul Alamoti
- 4. Casey McLean
- 5. Brian To’o
- 6. Blaize Talagi
- 7. Nathan Cleary
- 8. Moses Leota
- 9. Mitch Kenny
- 10. Lindsay Smith
- 11. Isaiah Papali’i
- 12. Liam Martin
- 13. Isaah Yeo (c)
- 14. Jack Cogger
- 15. Billy Phillips
- 16. Scott Sorensen
- 17. Luke Garner
- 18. Izack Tago
- 19. Freddy Lussick
The Panthers’ reserves include Sione Fonua, Kalani Going, and Jack Cole.
New Interchange Regulations
Round 6 highlights the application of new NRL rules regarding squad composition. Teams are now permitted to carry six players on the interchange bench; however, only four of those players are allowed to enter the game on match day.
Under these regulations, two players must be omitted from the squad 24 hours before the match begins. The final 19-man squad is then confirmed 90 minutes prior to kick-off.
Round 6 Schedule
Following the opening game on April 9, the round continues with a series of matches across various venues:
- April 10, 2026: St George Illawarra Dragons host the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Wollongong.
- April 10, 2026: The Brisbane Broncos face the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.
- April 11, 2026: A Perth double-header featuring the South Sydney Rabbitohs against the Canberra Raiders, followed by the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks facing the Sydney Roosters.
- April 12, 2026: The Wests Tigers host the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown.
The Dolphins have the bye for Round 6 of the 2026 season.