Following the completion of the second round of the 2025 NRL season, several teams will look to change up their team, while others will enter Round 3 with the exact same line-up.
Nelson Asofoa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys), Jack Bostock (The Dolphins) and Josh Addo-Carr (Parramatta Eels) are just a few players that are set to be available for selection heading into Round 3.
However, while some return, the Rabbitohs' injury woes have continued, a Penrith Panthers star will be unavailable and so will a key member of the Canberra Raiders forward pack, among others.
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
Fresh off a bye and a Round 1 domination of the Parramatta Eels, the Storm will enter the Grand Final rematch with a fully fit squad led by their spine - Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant.
Originally set to return from suspension, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is facing a fresh new ban after playing in the QLD Cup over the weekend.
The Daily Telegraph has since reported that the New Zealand international has been cleared to take the field after he was only issued with a warning by the QLD Match Review Committee on Monday night.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona could face further time on the sideline after being placed on report for a 'hip drop' in the Sunshine Coast's 28-6 win over PNG.
NAS was on the comeback trail after his suspension in last year's finals series.
Do we think he has a case to answer? pic.twitter.com/cSyK0PZaeu
โ The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) March 16, 2025
Projected Round 3 Team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Nelson Asofoa-Solomona
The Penrith Panthers have suffered a massive blow for Thursday night's Grand Final rematch against the Storm after the club confirmed Dylan Edwards is set to be sidelined for two to three weeks with a groin strain.
In his absence, Daine Laurie will move to the vacant fullback position, while either Blaize Talagi or Brad Schneider is likely to be promoted to the interchange bench after spending the week in the NSW Cup.
According to Peter Lang from The Western Weekender, Thomas Jenkins will also make his way into the squad in place of Casey McLean.
"He just had a bit of a groin strain," Panthers coach Ivan Cleary originally said on Friday night.
"He could have kept playing but just the way the game was and what we needed at the time, we had a fresh fullback sitting on the bench, that is why we made that call."
Dylan Edwards came off after suffering a groin injury.
Stayed on for almost 20 minutes after he initially appeared to hurt it, then struggled heavily on a turn & chase so had to come off. Can play through some minor groin issues - though often impacts performance (speed/agility) pic.twitter.com/TADOjUrLtD
โ NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 14, 2025
Forward Isaiah Papali'i (hip) may also make his return after being a late omission from the team last week and will replace Matthew Eisenhuth on the interchange bench with Liam Henry returning to the field and scoring a try last week.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Brian To'o 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Thomas Jenkins 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali'i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
