Dolphins host Origin-depleted Roosters in Round 15 NRL clash; Bassingthwaite to debut
The Dolphins are hosting the Sydney Roosters in Round 15 of the NRL on Friday night, with both teams significantly weakened by State of Origin commitments. The Roosters will be without seven players including captain James Tedesco, while the Dolphins are missing five, though key players like Isaiya Katoa and Herbie Farnworth remain available. The match is notable for Rex Bassingthwaite's NRL debut for the Roosters, a 19-year-old prospect being groomed as Tedesco's long-term successor.
The Dolphins are hosting the Sydney Roosters at Lang Park in Round 15 of the NRL season on Friday night. Both teams are significantly depleted due to State of Origin duties, with the Roosters missing seven players including captain James Tedesco, Lindsay Collins, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Reece Robson, Robert Toia, Sam Walker, and Victor Radley. The Dolphins have five players in the Queensland camp: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Max Plath, Selwyn Cobbo, and Tom Flegler. Despite the absences, both teams retain quality players, with the Dolphins featuring Isaiya Katoa (released from Blues camp as injury cover), Herbie Farnworth, and Jamayne Isaako. The Roosters will hand an NRL debut to 19-year-old Rex Bassingthwaite on the wing, a former schoolboy rugby star and SG Ball grand final man of the match who has been identified as the long-term replacement for Tedesco.
What different sources said
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Live: Young gun to debut for Roosters against Dolphins
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
NRL round 15 LIVE: Dolphins host Origin-hit Roosters
Related

Kane Williamson Retires from International Cricket
Kane Williamson, the 35-year-old former New Zealand captain, has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket after a 16-year career. He is New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346 runs across all formats and led the Black Caps to victory in the inaugural 2021 World Test Championship. His retirement comes mid-series against England, ending one of cricket's most distinguished careers on his own terms.
Dolphins Defeat Roosters in NRL Match; Katoa Scores Opening Try
Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa scored the opening try in a match against the Roosters on June 12, 2026. The game featured the Roosters deploying a new player in what was described as a significant tactical move. The result marks another fixture in the ongoing NRL season.

Shakira Body Double Claims Emerge After 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony Performance
Social media users claimed Shakira used a body double to perform the official World Cup anthem at the 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11, citing differences in appearance and dance moves. The speculation was fueled by her sunglasses, different hair shade, and altered styling compared to her usual look. Evidence suggesting it was the real Shakira includes a distinctive forehead scar visible in both World Cup and recent archival photographs.