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.
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Roosters have suffered a massive blow, with Luke Keary ruled out of the match after failing a HIA. In his absence, a combination of new halves, consisting of Sandon Smith and Sam Walker, will be seen, perย News Corp.
With Smith playing the utility role of the bench, this could be given to Connor Watson. Angus Crichton had an outstanding performance in the NSW Cup and was easily the best player on the ground, so a call-up is imminent for him.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย James Tedescoย 2.ย Daniel Tupouย 3.ย Joseph Manuย 4.ย Joseph Suaaliiย 5.ย Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smithย 7.ย Sam Walkerย 8.ย Jared Waerea-Hargreavesย 9.ย Brandon Smithย 10.ย Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Sitili Tupouniuaย 13.ย Victor Radley 14. Connor Watsonย 15.ย Naufahu Whyteย 16.ย Angus Crichtonย 17.ย Terrell May
Jason Demetriou has decided to axe halfback Lachlan Ilias after two consecutive defeats. He will be replaced by 2023 NSW Cup Player of the Year Dean Hawkins, per The Daily Telegraphย andย AAP.
Jack Wighton will return from suspension and will be a direct replacement in the centres for Richie Kennar.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย Latrell Mitchellย 2.ย Alex Johnstonย 3.ย Isaiah Tass 4. Jack Wighton 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walkerย 7.ย Lachlan Iliasย 8.ย Tevita Tatolaย 9.ย Damien Cookย 10.ย Sean Keppieย 11.ย Keaon Koloamatangiย 12.ย Jai Arrowย 13.ย Cameron Murrayย 14.ย Siliva Haviliย 15.ย Jacob Hostย 16.ย Davvy Moaleย 17.ย Thomas Burgess
