Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
NRL Magic Round injuries have shaped selection across the competition, with Ronaldo Mulitalo, Jesse Ramien and several Warriors players returning while Tom Dearden’s State of Origin hopes have taken a major hit.
Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium arrives with clubs juggling key comebacks and serious setbacks, giving Round 11 added weight before Queensland selectors finalise their Origin plans.
The injury picture adds further intrigue after Queensland State of Origin Team Race Set for Magic Round Shootout, while official casualty ward updates are available through the National Rugby League website.
Sharks Get Mulitalo Boost
Cronulla Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo will return from an ACL injury for the Magic Round clash with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Mulitalo suffered the injury playing for New Zealand against Samoa in the Pacific Championships last October and has missed the Sharks’ 4-5 start to the season.
Cronulla also regain strike centre Jesse Ramien after four games out with a knee injury.
The Sharks will still be without Cameron McInnes because of an ankle injury and Blayke Brailey due to concussion.
Bulldogs and Warriors Welcome Reinforcements
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs receive a timely lift as they try to end a four-game losing run.
Matt Burton returns from illness, Max King is back from a jaw injury and Kurt Mann has cleared concussion protocols, although Sam Hughes is out with a neck issue.
The New Zealand Warriors also regain key players for Magic Round.
Mitch Barnett, Ali Leiataua, Tanner Stowers-Smith and Wayde Egan are all back, giving the side more depth after injury and concussion concerns.
Dearden Blow Hits Maroons Plans
Tom Dearden is set to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 State of Origin series after North Queensland Cowboys confirmed he needs surgery for a syndesmosis injury.
The halfback is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks after hurting his ankle during the golden-point loss to Parramatta Eels.
Dearden led Queensland to last year’s Origin series win, making his absence a major issue for Billy Slater.
North Queensland also lose Soni Luke for around a month with a high-grade MCL tear.
Sea Eagles and Storm Mixed News
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles prop Siosiua Taukeiaho faces a long layoff after surgery on tibia and fibula fractures.
“We are all feeling for Siua right now,” Sea Eagles CEO Jason King said.
“It’s a horrible injury and I’m sure I speak for all Manly fans in wishing Siua a speedy recovery.”
Manly will regain Jamal Fogarty and Kobe Hetherington for their Wests Tigers clash.
Melbourne Storm also received good news, with Sua Faalogo cleared of a facial fracture and named to face Parramatta Eels, although Hugo Peel is out for six to eight weeks with a medial injury.
Rabbitohs and Dragons Monitor Key Names
South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston is out after tearing his PCL, with his recovery to be managed week by week.
St George Illawarra Dragons pair Mat Feagai and Valentine Holmes were sent for scans after Round 10 injuries, with Feagai ruled out and Holmes named to play.