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.ย Taine Tuaupikiย 2.ย Dallin Watene-Zelezniakย 3.ย Rocco Berryย 4.ย Roger Tuivasa-Sheckย 5.ย Marcelo Montoyaย 6.ย Luke Metcalfย 7.ย Shaun Johnsonย 8.ย Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10.ย Mitch Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12.ย Jackson Fordย 13.ย Tohu Harrisย 14.ย Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoaย 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 Tackleย understanding Nick Cotric will return to the NRL side.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย Jordan Rapanaย 2.ย Xavier Savageย 3.ย Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoateย 5. Nick Cotricย 6.ย Ethan Strangeย 7.ย Jamal Fogartyย 8.ย Josh Papaliiย 9.ย Danny Leviย 10.ย Joseph Tapineย 11.ย Hudson Youngย 12.ย Zac Hoskingย 13.ย Morgan Smithiesย 14.ย Tom Starlingย 15.ย Emre Gulerย 16.ย Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo
