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.
Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks
The Wests Tigers are forced to shuffle their backline due to Starford To'a's injury. The club disclosed that Justin Olam's estimated return is Round 4.
If he is unavailable for selection, former Canterbury Bulldogs utility back Declan Casey will get the call-up - Josh Feledy and Solomone Saukuru are also injured.
Benji Marshall could also decide to switch up his starting halves, moving Jayden Sullivan to the bench and starting with the veteran Aidan Sezer.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย Jahream Bulaย 2.ย Charlie Staines 3. Declan Casey 4. Solomona Faataapeย 5.ย Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvinย 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanuย 9.ย Apisai Koroisauย 10.ย David Klemmerย 11.ย Isaiah Papali'iย 12.ย John Batemanย 13.ย Alex Seyfarth 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Twal 17. Samuela Fainu
Zero Tackle understands that recruit Billy Burns has emerged as a potential replacement for the suspended Briton Nikora, but they may decide to go another way.
The Daily Telegraphย reports that Royce Hunt (illness) is set to return, which is bound to cause Craig Fitzgibbon a selection headache, especially with his interchange bench.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย William Kennedyย 2.ย Sione Katoaย 3.ย Jesse Ramienย 4.ย Siosifa Talakaiย 5.ย Ronaldo Mulitaloย 6.ย Braydon Trindallย 7.ย Nicho Hynesย 8.ย Oregon Kaufusiย 9.ย Blayke Braileyย 10.ย Royce Hunt 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wiltonย 13.ย Cameron McInnesย 14.ย Dale Finucaneย 15.ย Jack Williamsย 16.ย Toby Rudolf 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha
