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.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys
Prop Francis Molo is facing a two-game suspension and is set to be unavailable for the clash while will see a front-row spot be vacant. Brother Michael will likely replace him, with Hame Sele set to join the interchange bench if he returns in time from injury.
In other team news at the Red V, Luciano Leilua will likely start against his former club, pushing Tom Eisenhuth back to the interchange bench.
Projected Round 3 Team: ย 1.ย Tyrell Sloanย 2.ย Zac Lomaxย 3.ย Moses Suliย 4.ย Jack Birdย 5.ย Mikaele Ravalawaย 6.ย Kyle Flanaganย 7.ย Ben Hunt 8. Michael Moloย 9.ย Jacob Liddleย 10.ย Blake Lawrieย 11.ย Luciano Leiluaย 12.ย Jaydn Su'Aย 13.ย Jack de Belin 14. Connor Muhleisen 15.ย Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Hame Seleย 17.ย Tom Eisenhuth
Linked with multiple NRL clubs and eyeing a contract extension with the Cowboys, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will be looking to impress this week as he moves into the starting team after Heilum Luki's injury.
Teammate Jordan McLean also sustained an injury last week and is set to miss this week's game. In his place, the club will likely promote Thomas Mikaele to the starting prop position and move Jack Gosiewski onto the bench.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย Scott Drinkwaterย 2.ย Kyle Feldtย 3.ย Valentine Holmesย 4.ย Zac Laybuttย 5.ย Murray Taulagiย 6.ย Tom Deardenย 7.ย Chad Townsend 8. Thomas Mikaeleย 9.ย Reece Robsonย 10.ย Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12.ย Jeremiah Nanaiย 13.ย Reuben Cotterย 14.ย Jake Granvilleย 15.ย Griffin Neameย 16.ย Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski
