A brutal second round of NRL action has resulted in a number of sides sweating on the fitness of their stars for Round 3.
James Fisher-Harris and Adam Reynolds missed the grand final rematch on Thursday night through injury, while the Roosters and Bunnies made interesting selection decisions for their grudge match.
Shane Flanagan flagged the possibility of a host of changes in personnel after the Dragons' shocking defeat to the Dolphins and did so in his forward pack.
Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy had a headache with Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes out of their side's clash with the Knights, who have dropped their halfback Jackson Hastings.
MORE: NRL injury list 2024 - Every club's casualty ward
NRL ROUND 3 SCORES AND RESULTS
Penrith Panthers 34-12 Brisbane Broncos
Thursday, March 21 at BlueBet Stadium (8.00pm AEDT)
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Taylan May
5. Brian To'o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Daine Laurie
15. Matt Eisenhuth
16. Liam Henry
17. Luke Garner
18. Soni Luke
Panthers team news:
James Fisher-Harris was injured during his side's win over the Eels. In his absence, Lindsay Smith will start at prop with Matt Eisenhuth to take a spot on the bench.
Daine Laurie was a late addition to the bench last week in place of Soni Luke and has been named at No.14 again.
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jesse Arthars
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Selwyn Cobbo
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Jock Madden
8. Corey Jensen
9. Billy Walters
15. Fletcher Baker
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Martin Taupau
18. Xavier Willison
19. Tristan Sailor
Broncos team news:
Adam Reynolds will miss the grand final rematch after struggling with a knee injury last week. Jock Madden will replace him in the halves.
Kevin Walters named Payne Haas despite him struggling with a knee injury. The star prop has since dropped out with Fletcher Baker elevated to the starting side and Xavier Willison added to the bench.
New Zealand Warriors 18-10 Canberra Raiders
Friday, March 22 at Apollo Projects Stadium (6.00pm)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Jackson Ford
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Tohu Harris
14. Freddy Lussick
15. Tom Ale
16. Bunty Afoa
20. Jazz Tevaga
22. Jacob Laban
23. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Warriors team news:
Wayde Egan was a late withdrawal last week due to an elbow injury but has returned to the side.
Freddy Lussick drops back to the bench as a result of his addition and Chanel Harris-Tavita drops to the reserves.
Dylan Walker has dropped out the side, with Jazz Tevaga promoted to the bench.
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Jordan Rapana
2. Nick Cotric
3. Matt Timoko
4. Albert Hopoate
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Danny Levi
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Zac Hosking
17. Pasami Saulo
18. James Schiller
19. Kaeo Weekes
Raiders team news:
Seb Kris returned to the side last week from suspension but will be missing again after copping a head knock and failing his HIA against the Tigers.
Nick Cotric has been recalled to the side and will start on the wing with Albert Hopoate moving inside.
Josh Papalii picked up a finger injury during Canberra's win but played on through the pain and is has been named.
Elliott Whitehead returns from injury with the captain immediately starting in the backrow, forcing one of the most in-form backrowers in the comp, Zac Hosking, back to the bench.
Corey Horsburgh still has one week remaining to serve of his suspension.
Sydney Roosters 48-6 South Sydney Rabbitohs
Friday, March 22 at Allianz Stadium (8.00pm)
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Joseph Suaalii
4. Joey Manu
5. Dom Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Nat Butcher
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Connor Watson
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Terrell May
17. Angus Crichton
18. Michael Jennings
19. Egan Butcher
Roosters team news:
Luke Keary suffered a head knock during last week's loss to Manly with Sandon Smith to replace him in the halves.
His promotion has opened up a spot on the bench which Connor Watson will fill in the No.14 jersey.
In an unforced change, Siua Wong has dropped to the reserves with Nat Butcher regaining his spot in the backrow. Angus Crichton will make his first NRL appearance of the year off the bench.
Billy Smith has been listed in the reserves as he seeks to come back from injury, with Michael Jennings and Egan Butcher joining him in the extended squad.
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Isaiah Tass
5. Taane Milne
6. Cody Walker
7. Dean Hawkins
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Davvy Moale
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jacob Host
13. Cam Murray
14. Siliva Havili
15. Tallis Duncan
16. Sean Keppie
17. Tom Burgess
18. Michael Chee Kam
20. Shaquai Mitchell
Rabbitohs team news:
Jack Wighton returns from suspension and will play his first game for the Bunnies in the centres ahead of Richie Kennar.
Lachlan Ilias has been dropped after the side have lost their opening two matches, with Dean Hawkins to replace him at halfback.
Cameron Murray switched to the edge last week with Shaq Mitchell playing through the middle after Tallis Duncan was initially named to start in the backrow.
The captain has returned to his normal position of lock this week, with Jacob Host on an edge and Mitchell dropping to the reserves.
Jason Demetriou has also made a change to his starting front row with Davvy Moale promoted off the pine and Sean Keppie dropping to the interchange bench.
Meanwhile, Damien Cook is reportedly set to drop back to the bench with Siliva Havili to start at hooker.
Canterbury Bulldogs 32-0 Gold Coast Titans
Saturday, March 23 at Belmore Sports Ground (3.00pm)
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Blake Taaffe
2. Blake Wilson
3. Jacob Kiraz
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Connor Tracey
6. Matt Burton
7. Drew Hutchison
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Liam Knight
11. Villiame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sam Hughes
16. Josh Curran
17. Kurtis Morrin
20. Toby Sexton
22. Kitione Kautoga
Bulldogs team news:
Josh Addo-Carr was expected to make an early return from his shoulder injury, yet he hasn't even been included in the extended squad this week. Connor Tracey will retain his spot on the wing.
Poasa Faamausili suffered a nasty head injury from his first carry last week against the Sharks and will be replaced up front by Liam Knight who was impressive in reserve grade for Cameron Ciraldo's only change.
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. Keano Kini
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. AJ Brimson
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Chris Randall
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Klese Haas
12. Beau Fermor
13. Jaimin Jolliffe
14. Sam Verrills
15. Isaac Liu
15. Erin Clark
16. Keenan Palasia
18. Joe Stimson
19. Harley Smith-Shields
Titans team news:
Kieran Foran missed his side's shocking opening loss through injury but is back on deck after their bye with Tom Weaver dropping out.
Sam Verrills was overlooked for a starting spot in Round 1, with Chris Randall given the nod. Des Hasler has opted for the same hooker rotation once again.
Isaac Liu started at lock ahead of Keenan Palasia - despite being named on the bench - in Round 1, but this time Jaimin Jolliffe has been named in the No.13 jersey.
Jayden Campbell and David Fifita are expected to be sidelined for at least another week.
St George Illawarra Dragons 24-46 North Queensland Cowboys
Saturday, March 23 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium (5.30pm)
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Zac Lomax
3. Moses Suli
4. Jack Bird
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Jack de Belin
9. Jesse Marschke
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Luciano Leilua
16. Raymod Faitala-Mariner
19. Ben Murdoch-Masila
13. Tom Eisenhuth
14. Connor Muhleisen
15. Michael Molo
17. Viliami Fifita
18. Christian Tuipulotu
Dragons team news:
After a dreadful display, Shane Flanagan flagged changes for Round 3 although now the dust has settled, he has opted to keep faith with the exact same backline.
However, in the forwards it is a different story with a number of changes made.
Francis Molo is sidelined after he copped a one-game ban, which sees Jack de Belin named at prop.
Luciano Leilua has been elevated to the starting side with the Samoan international lining up on the left edge and Tom Eisenhuth shifting to lock.
Jacob Liddle is out with new recruit Jesse Marschke named at No.9, while Viliami Fifita has earned a recall on the bench.
Hame Sele will miss the opening three weeks through injury as he remains out of the side.
In two late changes, Jaydn Su'A has been ruled out through injury which sees Raymond Faitala-Mariner start while Ben Murdoch-Masila will start at lock with Tom Eisenhuth back to the bench.
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
18. Tom Chester
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Rueben Cotter
14. Jake Granville
15. Griffin Neame
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Jack Gosiewski
19. Thomas Mikaele
Cowboys team news:
Heilum Luki will be sidelined for around a month after succumbing to an ankle injury during his side's win over the Knights in golden point.
The backrower will be replaced in the starting side by Kulikefu Finefeuiaki with Jack Gosiewski the new face on the bench.
In a late change, Zac Laybutt has dropped out of the side with Tom Chester to start in the centres.
Wests Tigers 32-6 Cronulla Sharks
Saturday, March 23 at Leichhardt Oval (7.35pm)
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Justin Olam
5. Junior Tupou
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole
14. Bud Sullivan
15. Alex Seyfarth
16. Alex Twal
17. Samuela Fainu
18. Asu Kepaoa
Tigers team news:
Starford To'a hobbled off with an injury and will be replaced in the centres by Justin Olam, who missed last week through injury.
Jayden Sullivan started at halfback but was hooked in place of Aidan Sezer in the second half with the veteran starting in his place this week.
Alex Seyfarth was named at lock for the side's first match of the season, but Fonua Pole has been elevated from the bench instead of him.
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Sifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Toby Rudolf
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Jack Williams
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cam McInnes
14. Dale Finucane
15. Royce Hunt
16. Billy Burns
17. Thomas Hazelton
18. Kayal Iro
Sharks team news:
Briton Nikora has accepted a two-match ban for a high shot with Jack Williams to replace him in the backrow.
Billy Burns takes his spot on the bench, while Royce Hunt returns from illness to replace Tuku Hau Tapuha, who had an impressive short cameo last week.
Braden Hamlin-Uele remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Parramatta Eels 28-24 Manly Sea Eagles
Sunday, March 24 at CommBank Stadium (4.05pm)
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Morgan Harper
3. Will Penisini
4. Blaize Talagi
5. Sean Russell
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Joey Lussick
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Luca Moretti
15. Ryan Matterson
16. Joe Ofahengaue
17. Kelma Tuilagi
18. Ofahiki Ogden
20. Brendan Hands
Eels team news:
Bailey Simonsson has been ruled out after failing a HIA against the Panthers with Morgan Harper moving to the wing and Blaize Talagi the new addition in the centres.
Maika Sivo will not return from suspension until Round 4.
Kelma Tuilagi copped a shoulder injury last week but has been named on the bench, while Luca Moretti will join him there after Brendan Hands dropped to the reserves.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Josh Aloiai
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Karl Lawton
15. Corey Waddell
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Nathan Brown
18. Jake Arthur
20. Aaron Woods
Sea Eagles team news:
Tommy Talau has been replaced on the wing by Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega after he suffered an injury last week. However, despite initial fears of a dislocated ankle, Talau has been included in the extended squad.
It is the only change Anthony Seibold has made in a settled side with Josh Schuster afforded more time in reserve grade as he returns from injury.
Newcastle Knights 14-12 Melbourne Storm
Sunday, March 24 at McDonald Jones Stadium (6.15pm)
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Tom Jenkins
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Enari Tuala
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Adam Elliott
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Daniel Saifiti
20. Mat Croker
21. Dylan Lucas
18. Brodie Jones
19. Will Pryce
Knights team news:
After Newcastle suffered a brutal golden point loss to the Cowboys, Adam O'Brien has made some major changes and some injury enforced ones.
Greg Marzhew is out with a wrist injury and Enari Tuala has returned to the side in his place on the wing.
In a big call, Jackson Hastings has been dropped with Jack Cogger taking his place at halfback and Jayden Brailey returning from injury via the bench.
Jack Hetherington suffered an injury scare during last week's loss and was initially named to feature off the bench, however he has since dropped out along with Jack Hetherington.
Mat Croker and Dylan Lucas have been added to the 17 in their places.
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Jonah Pezet
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
12. Eli Katoa
22. Shawn Blore
13. Trent Loiero
14. Kane Bradley
15. Tepai Moeroa
16. Chris Lewis
17. Alec MacDonald
18. Grant Anderson
19. Aaron Pene
Storm team news:
Plenty to contend with for the Storm with both of their playmakers missing through injury and suspension.
Cameron Munster remains sidelined with a groin injury with Jonah Pezet remaining at five-eighth, while Tyran Wishart will join him in the halves after Jahrome Hughes was banned for one match for making contact with the referee.
Christian Welch has been ruled out after failing a HIA last week, so Tepai Moeroa is a new face on the bench along with Kane Bradley.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona remains sidelined with a hamstring issue.
In a late change, Shawn Blore will make his debut for the Storm with Joe Chan ruled out through injury.
