It may only be Round 3, but several NRL clubs have been hit with injuries and suspensions to star players, while another coach has decided to axe a star halfback after two consecutive losses.
In what seems like a playmaker's curse, Adam Reynolds, Cameron Munster, Josh Schuster, Jayden Sullivan, Lachlan Ilias, Luke Keary, and Jahrome Hughes may all be absent this round.
Teams will be named on Tuesday at 4pm (AEST), but here is all the latest in news and rumours.
New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders
The Warriors should welcome back hooker Wayde Egan this week, shifting newly re-signed hooker Freddy Lussick to the bench. Forward Marata Niukore may also return but it's hard seeing him push anyone out of the team with no injuries.
Projected Round 3 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. Kurt Capewell 12. Jackson Ford 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Freddy Lussick
The Raiders are forced into making a change with Sebastian Kris failing his HIA. His departure from the team will likely see the club run the same team as Round 1, with Zero Tackle understanding Nick Cotric will return to the NRL side.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Nick Cotric 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo
