The injuries and suspensions continue as NRL clubs head into Round 4 of the competition, while some coaches may decide to make some bold moves to shake up their roster.
The Cronulla Sharks have been dealt with a trio of injuries to their forwards, while the Broncos have lost another star player for this week.
Teams will be named on Tuesday at 4pm (AEST), but here is all the latest in news and rumours.
Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers
The Sydney Roosters will regain their primary halves pairing with Luke Keary returning from concussion and Sam Walker's HIA being downgraded from a Grade 1 to Grade 2 concussion.
However, they will be without prop Lindsay Collins, who will miss due to a hamstring injury. This could see Siua Wong being called up after spending the week in the NSW Cup. Egan Butcher is also an option if they decide to go another way.
Zero Tackleย understands that Sandon Smith will not play in the match due to injury, with Connor Watson set to keep his spot on the interchange bench as the utility player.
Lindsay Collins will go for scans on a hamstring injury - pulled up lame after regulation run. Even if he escapes with a minor hamstring strain would usually be a 2-4 week return to play. pic.twitter.com/LdRFlPl0hD
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 22, 2024
Projected Round 4 Team: 1.ย James Tedescoย 2.ย Daniel Tupouย 3.ย Joseph Manuย 4.ย Joseph Suaaliiย 5.ย Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreavesย 9.ย Brandon Smith 10. Terrell Mayย 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniuaย 13.ย Victor Radleyย 14.ย Connor Watsonย 15.ย Naufahu Whyteย 16.ย Angus Crichton 17. Siua Wong
The Penrith Panthers will likely remain unchanged in the forwards, with the club yet to deliver a return timeline on injured prop James Fisher-Harris. If the forward does return, it will come at the expense of Matthew Eisenhuth, who will be demoted.
Fox Sportsย has reported that Nathan Cleary will spend at least a month on the sidelines with an injury, allowing Brad Schneider to play in the halfback role.
It is also reported byย The Daily Telegraphย that Scott Sorensen will miss the clash, with Mavrik Geyer taking his spot, per The Western Weekender.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1.ย Dylan Edwardsย 2.ย Sunia Turuvaย 3.ย Izack Tagoย 4.ย Taylan Mayย 5.ย Brian To'oย 6.ย Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneiderย 8.ย Moses Leotaย 9.ย Mitch Kennyย 10.ย Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garnerย 12.ย Liam Martinย 13.ย Isaah Yeoย 14.ย Daine Laurie 15. Mavrik Geyerย 16. Liam Henry 17. Matthew Eisenhuth
