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.
Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm
According to Code Sports, hooker Jayden Brailey is closing in on a return from injury and may force his way back into the start and play off the interchange bench.
Dylan Lucas will also return after failing his HIA in Round 1. Jack Hetherington sustained a minor ankle injury against the Cowboys and should spend at least a week on the sidelines.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย Kalyn Pongaย 2.ย Tom Jenkinsย 3.ย Dane Gagaiย 4.ย Bradman Bestย 5.ย Greg Marzhewย 6.ย Tyson Gambleย 7.ย Jackson Hastingsย 8.ย Jacob Saifitiย 9.ย Phoenix Crosslandย 10.ย Leo Thompsonย 11.ย Tyson Frizellย 12.ย Kai Pearce-Paulย 13.ย Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Braileyย 15.ย Daniel Saifitiย 16.ย Jed Cartwright 17. Dylan Lucas
Cameron Munster may make a surprise return to the team if Jahrome Hughes is suspended - after the MRC charged him. This would see Jonah Pezet remain in the halves but switch roles.
Christian Welch is also unavailable due to concussion, but enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona should be back after spending last week in the QLD Cup as he recovers from injury.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1.ย Ryan Papenhuyzenย 2.ย Will Warbrickย 3.ย Reimis Smithย 4.ย Nick Meaneyย 5.ย Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munsterย 7. Jonah Pezet 8. Josh Kingย 9.ย Harry Grant 10. Tui Kamikamica 11.ย Joe Chan 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loieroย 14.ย Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonaldย 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomonaย 17.ย Chris Lewis
