The lowly St George Illawarra Dragons host the Dolphins to begin Friday’s NRL action.
The Dolphins have been given a major boost one hour before kick-off, with star halfback Isaiya Katoa named to make his return from a fractured arm injury.
Later, the Melbourne Storm will be at home, needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.
Fri 31 Jul 2026 at 5:30pm
NRLW and NRL fixtures this weekend
Fri 31 Jul 2026 at 5:12pm
TEAM LISTS: Dragons vs Dolphins
Dragons
The Dragons have made a few late changes to their side.
Lyhkan King-Togia has been promoted to the starting side at five-eight, with Dan Atkinson moving to the bench.
Moses Suli has been promoted to starting centre, and Mat Feagai also moves to the bench.
Dolphins
Isaiya Katoa will make his return from injury and start at halfback, a call made 90 minutes before kick-off. Brad Schneider returns to the bench.
Jack Bostock returns to the side and will start at centre.
Jake Averillo and Ray Stone are on the bench, after missing action with injuries.
Fri 31 Jul 2026 at 5:05pm
Dolphins name star half Katoa to return
Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa is a late inclusion for the first match of tonight’s double-header.
Katoa has been absent since fracturing his left forearm against the Warriors in round 17.
Fri 31 Jul 2026 at 5:02pm
What time is kick-off in the NRL tonight?
Here are the kick-off times for both NRL matches this evening, in each state and territory.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Dolphins
- 6pm AEST: NSW, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, PNG
- 5:30pm ACST: South Australia, Northern Territory
- 4pm AWST: Western Australia
- 8pm NZST: New Zealand, Fiji
- 9pm: Tonga, Samoa
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- 8pm AEST: NSW, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, PNG
- 7:30pm ACST: South Australia, Northern Territory
- 6pm AWST: Western Australia
- 10pm NZST: New Zealand, Fiji
- 11pm: Tonga, Samoa
Fri 31 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm
Welcome to the ABC Sport NRL live blog
Good evening, Australia.
Welcome back to ABC Sport’s live digital coverage of the 2026 NRL premiership season.
Tonight, round 22 of the premiership continues with a Friday night double-header:
- St George Illawarra Dragons vs Dolphins
- Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Be part of the conversation and join the blog throughout the evening by letting us know your thoughts in the comment section.
Let’s go.
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