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.
Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles
Bailey Simonsson has been ruled out of the match, and with Maika Sivo still suspended, the Eels will look to either Haze Dunster or Zac Cini to join the team to round out the backline.
After spending the majority of last week in the centres, Kelma Tuilagi is also likely to be unavailable due to a shoulder injury.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย Clinton Gutherson 2. Haze Dunsterย 3.ย Will Penisiniย 4.ย Morgan Harperย 5.ย Sean Russellย 6.ย Dylan Brownย 7.ย Mitchell Mosesย 8.ย Reagan Campbell-Gillardย 9.ย Joey Lussickย 10.ย Junior Pauloย 11.ย Shaun Laneย 12.ย Bryce Cartwrightย 13.ย J'maine Hopgoodย 14.ย Brendan Handsย 15.ย Joe Ofahengaueย 16.ย Ryan Matterson 17. Wiremu Greig
Tommy Talau will join Jason Saab on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury that could keep him out for up to a couple of months. After contending with Talau last week for the vacant spot, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega will likely be called up.
There has been no news yet on the status of Josh Schuster, but due to the club winning their first two matches in dominant fashion, it's hard to see him entering the team, and he will likely remain in the NSW Cup.
Project Round 3 Team: 1.ย Tom Trbojevic 2. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaegaย 3.ย Tolutau Koulaย 4.ย Reuben Garrickย 5.ย Jaxson Pauloย 6.ย Luke Brooksย 7.ย Daly Cherry-Evansย 8.ย Taniela Pasekaย 9.ย Lachlan Crokerย 10.ย Josh Aloiaiย 11.ย Haumole Olakau'atuย 12.ย Ben Trbojevicย 13.ย Jake Trbojevicย 14.ย Karl Lawtonย 15.ย Corey Waddellย 16.ย Ethan Bullemorย 17.ย Nathan Brown
