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.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans
After Poasa Faamausili failed an HIA, the Bulldogs will need a replacement for him in the starting front row. The Daily Telegraphย understands this will likely go to either Samuel Hughes or Josh Curran.
Faamausili's injury also frees up a spot on the interchange bench, which will either go to Liam Knight or Kitione Kautoga.
Winger Josh Addo-Carr will return from injury and will either enter the team in favour of Blake Wilson or Connor Tracey. If it is the latter, Jacob Kiraz will push back into the centres.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย Blake Taaffe 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Connor Traceyย 4.ย Stephen Crichtonย 5.ย Jacob Kirazย ย 6.ย Matt Burtonย 7.ย Drew Hutchisonย 8.ย Max Kingย 9.ย Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughesย 11.ย Viliame Kikauย 12.ย Jacob Prestonย 13.ย Jaeman Salmonย 14.ย Kurt Mann 15. Liam Knight 16.ย Josh Curranย 17.ย Kurtis Morrin
The Titans could receive a major boost this week, with News Corp reporting that the star trio of Jayden Campbell, Kieran Foran and David Fifita all have a chance of returning to the team and will slot straight into the starting line-up.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1. Jayden Campbellย 2.ย Alofiana Khan-Pereiraย 3.ย AJ Brimsonย 4.ย Brian Kellyย 5.ย Phillip Samiย 6.ย Kieran Foranย 7.ย Tanah Boydย 8.ย Moeaki Fotuaikaย 9.ย Sam Verrillsย 10.ย Keenan Palasia 11. David Fifitaย 12.ย Beau Fermorย 13.ย Tino Fa'asuamaleauiย 14.ย Chris Randallย 15.ย Jaimin Jolliffeย 16.ย Erin Clarkย 17.ย Klese Haas
