NRL confirmed team lists: Every side’s lineup for Round 3
Round 2 saw plenty of massive moments and a fair few injury and suspension dramas for multiple clubs.
Scott Drinkwater and Jacob Saifiti are both facing lengthy bans for their on-field indiscretions, while the injury crisis at Melbourne has grown with star forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines.
However, the Storm have been boosted by the inclusions of two key backline stars, while Manly will welcome back five-eighth Josh Schuster for their crucial clash against Parramatta.
There is still no sign of Nicho Hynes for Cronulla as he continues to recover from a calf injury, while Jared Warea-Hargreaves is back on deck for the Roosters ahead of their grudge match with South Sydney.
Here’s all the NRL mail for Round 3.
MANLY SEA EAGLES vs PARRAMATTA EELS
Thursday 16th March, Brookvale Oval (8pm)
Sea Eagles confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Christian Tuipulotu
3. Brad Parker
4. Tolutau Koula
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Josh Schuster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Jake Trbojevic
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Kelma Tuilagi
13. Josh Aloiai
14. Kaeo Weekes
15. Ben Trbojevic
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Sean Keppie
18. Toff Sipley
19. Cooper Johns
20. Morgan Harper
21. Karl Lawton
22. Ben Condon
Sea Eagles team news:
Josh Schuster (calf) returns which pushes Cooper Johns back to the reserves list alongside the likes of Karl Lawton and Morgan Harper.
Eels confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Waqa Blake
5. Bailey Simonsson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Junior Paulo
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. Matt Doorey
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Jirah Momoisea
15. Jack Murchie
16. Wiremu Greig
17. Makahesi Makatoa
18. Jake Arthur
19. Haze Dunster
20. Ofahiki Ogden
21. Ky Rodwell
22. Isaac Lumelume
Eels team news:
Brad Arthur has named the same starting 17 who went down to the Sharks in Round 2.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS vs DOLPHINS
Friday 17th March, McDonald Jones Stadium (6pm)
Knights confirmed team:
1. Lachlan Miller
2. Hymel Hunt
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Dom Young
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Jack Hetherington
11. Brodie Jones
12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
13. Leo Thompson
14. Ryan Rivett
15. Mat Croker
16. Jack Johns
17. Dylan Lucas
18. Enari Tuala
19. Greg Marzhew
20. Oryn Keeley
21. Ben Talty
22. Thomas Cant
Knights team news:
Newcastle have been absolutely ravaged by injury and suspension, with Adam O’Brien left scrambling to name his side.
Tyson Gamble will come into the halves to replace Kalyn Ponga (head knock), while Phoenix Crossland has taken the No.9 spot in the absence of Jayden Brailey (head knock).
Tyson Frizell (ankle) has been replaced by Brodie Jones in the backrow after he was the 18th man against the Tigers.
Mat Croker (suspension) will return to the side on the bench, as Jack Hetherington replaces Jacob Saifiti at prop after he was suspended for five weeks for a high shot.
Adam Elliott (groin) and Kurt Mann (calf) are both set for an extended period on the sidelines.
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Euan Aitken
4. Brenko Lee
5. Tesi Niu
6. Isaiya Katoa
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Kodi Nikorima
10. Jarrod Wallace
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenny Bromwich
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Connelly Lemuelu
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Ray Stone
17. Kurt Donoghoe
18. Mason Teague
19. Poasa Faamausili
20. JJ Collins
21. Anthony Milford
22. Robert Jennings
Dolphins team news:
Jeremy Marshall-King is facing a two-week suspension for a hip-drop tackle, which opens the door for Kodi Nikorima to join the side at hooker.
Ray Stone (knee) returns from injury to replace Mason Teague on the interchange.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS vs SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Friday 17th March, Allianz Stadium (8pm)
Roosters confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Joseph Suaalii
4. Joseph Manu
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Egan Butcher
12. Nat Butcher
13. Victor Radley
14. Jake Turpin
15. Drew Hutchison
16. Terrell May
17. Fletcher Baker
18. Naufahu Whyte
19. Ben Thomas
20. Sandon Smith
21. Corey Allan
22. Siua Wong
Roosters team news:
Victor Radley (head knock) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (back) have both returned for the Roosters with Naufahu Whyte and Ben Thomas dropping out.
Brandon Smith (ribs) was sent for scans following the match with the Warriors but has been cleared to play.
Rabbitohs confirmed team:
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Campbell Graham
5. Izaac Thompson
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Tom Burgess
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Michael Chee Kam
13. Cameron Murray
14. Blake Taaffe
15. Hame Sele
16. Davvy Moale
17. Shaq Mitchell
18. Jed Cartwright
19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
20. Ben Lovett
21. Taane Milne
22. Peter Mamouzelos
Rabbitohs team news:
The Bunnies have been boosted with two big returns in their forward pack with Tevita Tatola (head knock) lining up at prop, while Hame Sele (calf) takes his place on the bench.
Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Jed Cartwright are the two men to miss out.
GOLD COAST TITANS vs MELBOURNE STORM
Saturday 18th March, Cbus Super Stadium (3pm)
Titans confirmed team:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Aaron Schoupp
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Chris Randall
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. David Fifita
12. Joe Stimson
13. Isaac Liu
14. Jayden Campbell
15. Erin Clark
16. Jo Vuna
17. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui
18. Sam McIntyre
19. Klese Haas
20. Toby Sexton
21. Keano Kini
22. Treymain Spry
Titans team news:
Brian Kelly is back from suspension this weekend, which sees Phillip Sami move to the wing and Jojo Fifita drop out of the backline.
Sam Verrills (shoulder) has been replaced by Chris Randall who will make his first NRL appearance for the club in the No.9 jersey.
The two new additions on the interchange bench are Joseph Vuna and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, who will make his NRL debut alongside his brother and Titans captain, Tino.
Storm confirmed team:
1. Nick Meaney
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Justin Olam
5. Xavier Coates
6. Tyran Wishart
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. Harry Grant
10. Christian Welch
11. Trent Loiero
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Josh King
14. Jonah Pezet
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tariq Sims
17. Jordan Grant
18. Grant Anderson
19. Aaron Pene
20. Young Tonumaipea
21. Bronson Garlick
22. Kane Bradley
Storm team news:
Justin Olam (arm) has been named and is set to make an early return from injury in a welcome boost to the Storm’s backline stocks. He will be joined by Xavier Coates (shoulder) who has been included on the wing.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona (knee) will miss the next six weeks, although the Storm have been boosted by the early return of Tui Kamikamica in the front-row. Tariq Sims (calf) is also back on deck and will make his debut for Melbourne off the bench.
Jonah Pezet has been handed the No.14 jersey and is set to make his NRL debut.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS vs NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Saturday 18th March, Queensland Country Bank Stadium (5.30pm)
Cowboys confirmed team:
1. Tom Chester
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Reuben Cotter
11. Coen Hess
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Jake Granville
15. Griffin Neame
16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
17. James Tamou
18. Heilum Luki
19. Brendan Elliot
20. Taniela Sadrugu
21. Riley Price
22. Mitchell Dunn
Cowboys team news:
Scott Drinkwater and Peta Hiku have both been suspended following the loss to Brisbane in a massive blow for the Cowboys.
Tom Chester will come into the side at fullback, while Gehamat Shibasaki has been named in the centres.
Heilum Luki(knee) has been included in the reserves as he continues his comeback from injury.
Warriors confirmed team:
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Edward Kosi
3. Brayden Wiliame
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Bunty Afoa
11. Mitchell Barnett
12. Marata Niukore
13. Tohu Harris
14. Dylan Walker
15. Josh Curran
16. Bayley Sironen
17. Tom Ale
18. Viliami Vailea
20. Freddy Lussick
21. Ronald Volkman
22. Jazz Tevaga
23. Rocco Berry
Warriors team news:
Taine Tuaupiki make his NRL debut at fullback following Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad being ruled out with concussion.
Jackson Ford has also suffered the same fate with Mitchell Barnett moving into the back row as his replacement.
Bunty Afoa will start at prop, while Bayley Sironen joins the bench.
BRISBANE BRONCOS vs ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Saturday 18th March, Suncorp Stadium (7.35pm)
Broncos confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jesse Arthars
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Cory Paix
15. Keenan Palasia
16. Tom Flegler
17. Martin Taupau
18. Deine Mariner
19. Brendan Piakura
20. Xavier Willison
21. Jock Madden
22. Delouise Hoeter
Broncos team news:
Corey Oates (jaw) is set to miss the next six weeks after a high shot from Scott Drinkwater left him requiring surgery. Jesse Arthars will replace him on the wing.
Dragons confirmed team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mat Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Moses Mbye
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Ben Murdoch-Masila
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack Bird
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Zane Musgrove
16. Toby Couchman
17. Josh Kerr
18. Michael Molo
19. Max Feagai
20. Jaiyden Hunt
21. Talatau Amone
22. Aaron Woods
Dragons team news:
Anthony Griffin has named the same 17 who beat the Titans last weekend which means the likes of Talatau Amone and Aaron Woods remain in the reserves.
Jack de Belin (calf) was expected to return for Round 3 but hasn’t been included in the squad.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS vs WESTS TIGERS
Sunday 19th March, Belmore Oval (4.05pm)
Bulldogs confirmed team:
1. Hayze Perham
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Jake Averillo
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Matt Burton
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Ryan Sutton
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
14. Jayden Okunbor
15. Corey Waddell
16. Franklin Pele
17. Fa’amanu Brown
19. Braidon Burns
20. Karl Oloapu
21. Josh Reynolds
22. Jackson Topine
23. Jayden Tanner
Bulldogs team news:
Cameron Ciraldo has elected to stick with the same 17 who were so impressive during their Round 2 clash with Melbourne.
Tigers confirmed team:
1. Charlie Staines
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Brent Naden
4. Starford To’a
5. Junior Tupou
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Luke Brooks
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Asu Kepaoa
12. Shawn Blore
13. Fonua Pole
14. Brandon Wakeham
15. Alex Twal
16. Joe Ofahengaue
17. Brandon Tumeth
18. Justin Matamua
19. Alex Seyfarth
20. John Bateman
21. Rua Ngatikaura
22. Jahream Bula
Tigers team news:
Daine Laurie (knee) has been replaced at fullback by Charlie Staines in one of three moves in the backline.
Junior Tupou is the new winger, while Starford To’a will cover for Tommy Talau in the centres who has been ruled out with concussion.
As has Jake Simpkin, following a sickening shot from Jacob Saifiti last weekend. Brandon Wakeham fills in as the utility off the bench.
Shawn Blore returns from a concussion and Fonua Pole is back from a knee injury but star second-rower Isaiah Papali’i will be sidelined due to suspension.
John Bateman has been named in the reserves.
CANBERRA RAIDERS vs CRONULLA SHARKS
Sunday 19th March, GIO Stadium (6.15pm)
Raiders confirmed team:
1. Sebastian Kris
2. Nick Cotric
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Harley Smith-Shields
5. Albert Hopoate
6. Jack Wighton
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Pasami Saulo
9. Danny Levi
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Corey Harawira-Naera
14. Tom Starling
15. Trey Mooney
16. Corey Horsburgh
17. Emre Guler
18. Zac Woolford
19. Matt Frawley
20. James Schiller
21. Semi Valemei
22. Peter Hola
Raiders team news:
Pasami Saulo continues to deputise at prop for Josh Papalii (calf) who remains sidelined.
Ata Mariota (hand) is set to miss up to six weeks with Trey Mooney the new man on the bench.
Sharks confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Siosifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Matt Moylan
7. Braydon Trindall
8. Toby Rudolf
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Braden Hamlin-Uele
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Dale Finucane
14. Cameron McInnes
15. Royce Hunt
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Jack Williams
18. Connor Tracey
19. Thomas Hazelton
20. Mawene Hiroti
21. Jayden Berrell
22. Daniel Atkinson
Sharks team news:
Nicho Hynes remains on the sidelines after a calf injury has ruled him out of the opening three weeks of action.
In the only change to the Cronulla side which beat the Eels, Jack Williams returns from a head knock to take his place on the bench. Connor Tracey drops back to 18th man.