Round 3 Team news and injuries, Adam Reynolds pictured at Brisbane Broncos training Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown injury update, Bronson Xerri axed

The Broncos are sweating on the availability of Adam Reynolds for the grand final rematch, while the Bulldogs are expected to swing the axe this week.

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Plus, injury concerns for the Knights and Warriors.

Read on for the latest team tips ahead of Round 3 in the NRL!

THURSDAY MARCH 19

Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 8pm AEDT

Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Morgan Smithies 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Matthew Timoko 18. Daine Laurie 19. Joseph Roddy

Team tips: State of Origin front-rower Josh Papali’i (concussion) will make his return to the squad after missing Round 2’s clash due to the mandatory stand-down policy. He will take a spot in the starting front row alongside Joseph Tapine, meaning Morgan Smithies will return to the interchange bench. Apart from that, the Raiders will field their best team, bar Matty Nicholson, who is facing five months on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury. Ricky Stuart may decide to put Matthew Timoko back into the starting team, which would see incumbent centre Simi Sasagi return to either the forward pack or playing a utility role off the bench.

Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Josh Curran 20. Jake Turpin 21. Enari Tuala

Team tips: Playing their first match in Australia this season, the Bulldogs are set to make at least one change to their squad. Despite not suffering any injuries or suspensions during their trip to Las Vegas, 9News’s Danny Weidler reports that Bronson Xerri has been dropped to NSW Cup in favour of Enari Tuala. Young gun Finau Latu is available for selection and could come into consideration after being one of the most impressive players during pre-season training. Meanwhile, recruit Leo Thompson (calf) and halfback prodigy Mitchell Woods (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.

FRIDAY MARCH 20

Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers, 6pm AEDT

Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 4. Robert Toia 19. Junior Pauga 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Egan Butcher 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 21. Tom Rodwell

Team tips: The Roosters will be without Billy Smith (concussion), who joins Hugo Savala (ankle), Reece Robson (thumb), Spencer Leniu (hamstring) and Victor Radley (suspension) on the sideline and unavailable for selection.

Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Kalani Going 18. Izack Tago 19. Freddy Lussick

Team tips: Ivan Cleary could make as many as three changes for their blockbuster clash against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night as they look to remain unbeaten. Liam Martin (calf) is slated to return this week, but won’t necessarily need to be rushed back due to the club’s great form. Liam Henry (knee) isn’t expected to return for a few weeks. If Martin is selected, recruit Kalani Going is the most likely player to make way. Jack Cogger (concussion) has also been ruled out for the clash, but this will see Freddy Lussick be used as the side’s primary utility of the interchange bench.

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Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos, 8pm AEDT

Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo 5. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Tui Kamikamica 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Cooper Clarke 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Davvy Moale 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 20. Angus Hinchey

Team tips: The Storm will receive a massive boost to their forwards this week with Trent Loiero (suspension) playing his first match of 2026 this week. Loiero will return to his lock position after being suspended for a Careless High Tackle in last year’s grand final. Alec MacDonald (concussion) is also available for selection and will come into contention after returning from the NRL’s mandatory stand-down policy. Meanwhile, back-rower Shawn Blore has suffered a setback after sustaining a lower-leg injury within the opening 30 seconds of his return to the field via NSW Cup on the weekend.

Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Grant Anderson 19. Jaiyden Hunt

Team tips: There is still a chance for Adam Reynolds to suit up despite being considered long odds to play after suffering suspected rib-cartilage damage. Reynolds was pictured gutting his way through a full contact session in Brisbane on Monday. If he isn’t fit to play, Ben Hunt is expected to partner Ezra Mam in the halves. Back-rower Jack Gosiewski (concussion) will be unavailable due to the NRL’s mandatory stand-down policy, but Brendan Piakura should be ready to return from a meniscus tear in a boost. Elsewhere, The Courier Mail reported Grant Anderson trained in place of Deine Mariner on the wing, opening the door for him to make his Broncos debut against his former club.

SATURDAY MARCH 21

Newcastle Knights vs Warriors, 3pm AEDT

Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Sandon Smith 7. Dylan Brown 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 15. Mathew Croker 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Thomas Cant 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Francis Manuleleua 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Harrison Graham

Team tips: The Knights will be without both Kalyn Ponga (hamstring) and Dylan Brown (knee) for at least the next month, with Ponga facing more than six weeks out while Brown will return sooner. Fortunately, Fletcher Sharpe will return from his knee injury. With Sharpe back, Holbrook has a new dilemma. He can either play Sharpe at fullback and stick with Sandon Smith and Phoenix Crossland in the halves with Harrison Graham filling it at hooker, or have Sharpe join Smith in the halves with Fletcher Hunt at fullback. That would then allow Crossland to stick at hooker. Another option would be recalling Tyson Gamble from NSW Cup to partner Smith, with Sharpe at fullback and Crossland in the No.9 jersey.

Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Demitric Vaimauga 16. Leka Halasima 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Taine Tuaupiki 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Team tips: The Warriors are set to be without both Kurt Capewell (calf) and Chanel Harris-Tavita (concussion), while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also left late in the Raiders game for a head injury assessment and could be in doubt too. Warriors coach Andrew Webster didn’t have an update on Nicoll-Klokstad when asked about his status post-game on Friday. Taine Tuaupiki slotted in at fullback with Harris-Tavita unavailable last week, seeing Nicoll-Klokstad move to five-eighth while Leka Halasima starred filling in for Kurt Capewell. Marata Niukore returned from a calf injury in NSW Cup last week and could return on the bench. Mitch Barnett said on Shaun Johnson’s show ‘League Lounge’ that he thinks he is still a “couple of weeks away” from returning from an ACL injury.

Cronulla Sharks vs Dolphins, 5.30pm AEDT

Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Chris Veaila

Team tips: After losing to the Panthers in Bathurst, only one change is expected to be made by Craig Fitzgibbon for this week’s clash. Missing the opening two matches with an injury, back-rower Teig Wilton (shoulder) is expected to make his return to the field this week and will slot straight into the edge with Billy Burns moving back to the interchange bench. Michael Gabrael and Tuku Hau Tapuha are also pushing their case for selection after great showings in the NSW Cup for the Newtown Jets.

Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 14. Max Plath 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 9. Brad Schneider 15. Oryn Keeley 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Ray Stone 18. Trai Fuller 22. Brian Pouniu

Team tips: Tom Flegler left Sunday’s game with a rib injury but coach Kristian Woolf said he was available to return and that the team opted not to pick him back in, so theoretically it sounds like he will be good to go. Woolf did add, however, that the Dolphins will need to see how he fares throughout the week. As for Kurt Donoghoe, Woolf said he was “50/50” to return from a hamstring injury but more likely to be back Round 4.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers, 7.35pm AEDT

Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Lachlan Hubner 17. Sean Keppie 18. Latrell Siegwalt 19. Moala Graham-Taufa

Team tips: Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett is set for a massive selection call this week as Jamie Humphreys is available for the first time this season after being suspended for the opening two rounds of the competition. He will likely replace Jayden Sullivan in the halves after the former Dragons and Tigers playmaker struggled in the club’s loss to the Roosters. Fox Sports Australia understands that Brandon Smith is a chance to return to the field and will make his way straight into the starting side. Bennett could easily make more team changes, such as starting with Tallis Duncan, who has been one of the side’s most impactful forwards.

Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Jock Madden 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Tristan Hope 19. Jeral Skelton

Team tips: The Wests Tigers will be sweating on the availability of international centre Taylan May after he exited the field last week with a shoulder injury. It is understood that May has undergone scans on Sunday, but his condition remains unknown at this stage. Likely to miss at least one match, Sunia Turuva will cover the centres while Jeral Skelton will make the move to wing – the same thing that happened when May was injured on Saturday. Meanwhile, the condition of fellow centre Starford To’a also remains unclear after he was unavailable for selection for Round 2.

SUNDAY MARCH 22

Parramatta Eels vs St. George Illawarra Dragons, 4.05pm AEDT

Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 20. Jordan Samrani 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Dylan Walker 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Tallyn Da Silva 18. Charlie Guymer 19. Joash Papali’i

Team tips: The Eels will receive a massive boost for Round 3 with Queensland Maroons lock J’maine Hopgood returning to the side after copping a one-week suspension in the opening round. This would see him replace Jack De Belin in the starting side while the former Dragon would move to the reserves in place of Charlie Guymer. The boost coincides with the club coming off a strong display last week, which saw them defeat the reigning premiers by eight points, 40-32. Following the win, coach Jason Ryles is unlikely to make any further changes, as it would disrupt their momentum and form.

Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Setu Tu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 14. Hame Sele 13. Hamish Stewart 15. Josh Kerr 16. Blake Lawrie 17. Ryan Couchman 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 21. Mathew Feagai

Team tips: The Dragons have breathed a sigh of relief after halves Daniel Atkinson and Kyle Flanagan have avoided ankle injuries. Undergoing scans over the weekend, AAP revealed that club officials are expecting the duo to face the Eels on Sunday. No other injuries were sustained during their match last week against the Storm, but the club remains hopeful that Jacob Liddle (hamstring) will be able to return to the field for the grudge match against Parramatta and combine with hooker Damien Cook for a one-two punch off the bench.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans, 6.15pm AEDT

Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 16. Griffin Neame 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 15. Kai O’Donnell 8. Coen Hess 14. Soni Luke 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Liam Sutton 21. Harrison Edwards 22. Kaiden Lahrs

Team tips: zac laybutt back from suspension, mikaele could return

Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Max Feagai 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Tukimihia Simpkins 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Luke Sommerton 21. Jenson Taumoepeau

Team tips: Fullback Keano Kini picked up a “knock” late in the game according to Josh Hannay, but the Titans coach added that he “walked into the sheds” and wasn’t “hobbling”, which suggests he should be OK. Meanwhile, Jayden Campbell began integration on-field last week and is expected to return from his minor hamstring strain in Round 3, which would see Lachlan Ilias drop to the bench or out of the team entirely.