Round 3 predicted teams: Grant gets Benji's blessing; Lodge likely

Harry Grant is expected to make his Wests Tigers debut in Saturday’s match against Cronulla at Bankwest Stadium after joining the club in a protracted player trade with Paul Momirovski before the competition shut down in March.

The former Melbourne Storm hooker has impressed teammates since training resumed three weeks ago and Tigers captain Benji Marshall said on Monday that he was looking forward to playing with him.

“He has got a great pass out in front, he does a lot of work on it, his front-on contact is pretty solid and as a hooker one of your strengths you need to have is the ability to count numbers and pick the right way to go. Nine times out of 10 he just nails that without a call,” Marshall said.

“I feel like he will add a lot to our team and he has obviously been in a great system where he knows how to play and he has been under a guy called Cameron Smith, who has probably rubbed a lot off on him. I feel he will bring that to our team.

“The combination between hooker and half is probably the most important, obviously getting the ball at the right time, whether you want it off the ground, whether he picks it up and takes a couple of steps to engage the markers.

“I feel like he is ticking all the boxes for me in terms of getting it at the right time and in the right place, which is important for a hooker.”​

Broncos enforcer Matt Lodge came through Sunday's fitness test in good shape with a final call to be made by Tuesday on whether he returns from a knee injury to face Parramatta on Thursday.

Lodge has recovered well from what was at one point feared to be a season-ending ACL rupture to be in contention for a return to Brisbane's front row for the season's restart.

Coach Anthony Seibold may use Lodge from the bench in Thursday night's blockbuster, or hold fire and give him more minutes in next Thursday's clash with the Roosters.

Reed Mahoney's foot injury before the break was Parramatta's biggest concern, although the dummy-half said on Channel 9's Footy Show on Sunday he was certain to return.

Panthers forward Isaah Yeo on Monday gave young halfback Matt Burton a ringing endorsement as he prepares to fill in for the suspended Nathan Cleary. "He's an exciting talent and I think he will do a wonderful job for us in the first two rounds," he said.

Storm prop Tui Kamikamica has been struggling with a back injury but looks set to suit up for Saturday's showdown with Canberra. Melbourne assistant coach Jason Ryles on Monday said the Fijian prop had been placed in cotton wool to ensure he would be right for the team's restart to the Telstra Premiership season.

Souths star Cody Walker's two-game suspension for an off-field incident opens the door for Troy Dargan to partner skipper Adam Reynolds in the halves. Walker has been banned by the NRL Intergrity Unit over an incident at Casino in December in which he was filmed kicking a man in a street fight.

Brisbane veteran Andrew McCullough is in line to replace the injured Jayden Brailey as Knights hooker after getting a release from his 2020 contract, effective immediately, to sign with Newcastle. Having lost Brailey for the season due to an ACL injury, coach Adam O’Brien said the addition of McCullough to the Knights roster will go a long way to help fill the void given the length of the season.

NRL.com has analysed how each squad is shaping up heading into the proposed return date based on their teams for the first two rounds and the players who will now be available following the competition's break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Round 3 predicted teams 

Brisbane Broncos

1. Jamayne Isaako
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Darius Boyd
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Anthony Milford
7. Brodie Croft
8. Matt Lodge
9. Jake Turpin
10. Payne Haas
11. Patrick Carrigan
12. Alex Glenn
13. Joe Ofahengaue
14. Tesi Niu
15. Thomas Flegler
16. Jamil Hopoate
17. Rhys Kennedy

Others: Thomas Dearden, Herbie Farnworth, Ethan Bullemor, Xavier Coates.

Broncos: They will be without Tevita Pangai jnr (suspension) for a further three weeks and David Fifita (knee) for at least one match but are set to welcome back Joe Ofahengaue from a club-imposed two-game suspension.

New captain Alex Glenn is expected to play his first game of the year after overcoming a hamstring issue. Brodie Croft (shoulder) and Corey Oates (ribs) are available after copping knocks in March. 

Matt Lodge is on track to make an early return from his partial ACL tear. Lodge is still not certain to make a comeback with a final decision likely on Tuesday.

Canberra Raiders

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Curtis Scott
5. Nick Cotric
6. Jack Wighton
7. George Williams
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Sia Soliola
11. Joseph Tapine
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Siliva Havili
15. Dunamis Lui
16. Ryan Sutton 
17. Emre Guler

Others: John Bateman, Sam Williams, Michael Oldfield, Tom Starling.

Canberra are hopeful of John Bateman overcoming a shoulder injury after surgery in February but the English forward said he was doubtful over whether he will be right to go. Even if he is not right for the May 30 meeting with Melbourne, his imminent return is a huge advantage for the 2019 grand finalists ahead of a likely shortened season. 

Suspended forward Hudson Young appears the only player in the senior squad to be disadvantaged by the competition's hiatus with his round six return meaning he still has an extra three weeks on the sidelines.

Canterbury Bulldogs

1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
2. Nick Meaney
3. Reimis Smith
4. Will Hopoate
5. Christian Crichton
6. Brandon Wakeham
7. Lachlan Lewis
8. Aiden Tolman
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Dylan Napa
11. Josh Jackson
12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
13. Adam Elliott
14. Dean Britt
15. Renouf To’omaga
16. Sauaso Sue
17. Jake Averillo

Others: Kerrod Holland, Kieran Foran, Chris Smith, Jack Cogger.

There has been a lot of movement for the Canterbury squad over the league's break with Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor officially deregistered by the NRL. 

The loss of the pair compounds news Joe Stimson may not play again this season after needing to undergo a shoulder operation, which has been delayed because it is not essential surgery. However, the club may receive a major boost on the paddock with Kieran Foran edging closer to a return from a shoulder injury. 

Marcelo Montoya will miss 8-12 weeks after suffering a hamstring injury at training. Kerrod Holland is due back from injury but may not force his way back into the 17 immediately.

Cronulla Sharks

1. Matt Moylan
2. Josh Dugan
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Jesse Ramien
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Shaun Johnson
7. Chad Townsend
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Aaron Woods
11. Briton Nikora
12. Wade Graham
13. Jack Williams
14. Connor Tracey
15. Braden Hamlin-Uele
16. Toby Rudolf
17. Scott Sorensen

Others: Sione Katoa, Will Kennedy, Billy Magoulias, Jayson Bukuya.

Big winners out of the game's break, Cronulla are set to enter round three with three of their gun outside backs returning in Matt Moylan, Josh Dugan and Bronson Xerri. The trio missed the opening fortnight of the competition in March but the extended layoff has helped with their rehabilitation. Sione Katoa, Will Kennedy and Billy Magoulias are the likely players to drop out of the 17 but provide vital depth for the squad.

Gold Coast Titans

1. Phillip Sami
2. Dale Copley
3. Tyrone Peachey
4. Brian Kelly
5. Anthony Don
6. Tyrone Roberts
7. Ash Taylor
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Mitch Rein
10. Shannon Boyd
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Keegan Hipgrave 
13. Jai Arrow
14. Nathan Peats
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Sam Stone
17. Jai Whitbread

Others: Jonus Pearson, Bryce Cartwright, Sam Lisone, Jaimin Jolliffe.

AJ Brimson is out indefinitely so Phil Sami will reclaim the fullback position. Young forward Keegan Hipgrave has been cleared to return after a series of head knocks. English centre Kallum Watkins has been granted a release to return to the UK for personal reasons.

Brian Kelly and Bryce Cartwright are available for selection again after resolving their flu vaccination issues but the second-rower may struggle to make the game-day 17 due to the Titans' armada of NRL standard forwards, particularly with Hipgrave cleared to make his comeback.

Manly Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jorge Taufua
3. Brad Parker
4. Moses Suli
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Dylan Walker
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Danny Levi
10. Martin Taupau
11. Joel Thompson
12. Curtis Sironen
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Lachlan Croker
15. Sean Keppie
16. Morgan Boyle
17. Taniela Paseka

Others: Toafofoa Sipley, Brendan Elliott, Jack Gosiewski, Haumole Olakau’atu.

Manly are likely to be boosted by the return of Taniela Paseka after he picked up an ankle injury at the NRL Nines in February. It's otherwise a fairly settled squad on the Northern Beaches. Luckless outside back Albert Hopoate will also be nearing a return from an ACL injury he suffered last June.

Melbourne Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Suliasi Vunivalu
3. Marion Seve
4. Justin Olam
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith
10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenneath Bromwich
13. Dale Finucane
14. Brandon Smith
15. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Christian Welch

Others: Paul Momirovski, Tom Eisenhuth, Max King, Ryley Jacks.

Coach Craig Bellamy will have a decision to make around his centre options with the arrival of Paul Momirovski. The make-up of the bench could also change with Christian Welch due back from an ACL injury.

Newcastle Knights

1. Tex Hoy
2. Edrick Lee
3. Enari Tuala
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Hymel Hunt
6. Kurt Mann
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. David Klemmer
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Daniel Saifiti
11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
12. Aidan Guerra
13. Herman Ese'ese
14. Sione Mata'utia
15. Jacob Saifiti
16. Tim Glasby
17. Connor Watson

Others: Tautau Moga, Chris Randall, Josh King, Pasami Saulo.

A few changes expected for the Knights in round three with Kalyn Ponga suspended and long-term injuries to Mitchell Barnett and Jayden Brailey. Local product Tex Hoy is set to receive a call-up for his debut in the No.1 jersey after impressing at the NRL Nines. 

Connor Watson appeared the likely replacement for Brailey but the signing of Andrew McCullough means the Broncos veteran is a strong chance to wear the No.9 jersey. Sione Mata'utia will be available after overcoming a knee injury in the trials.

NZ Warriors

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Patrick Herbert
3. Gerard Beale
4. Peta Hiku
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Blake Green
8. Agnatius Paasi
9. Wayde Egan
10. Lachlan Burr
11. Eliesa Katoa
12. Tohu Harris
13. Adam Blair
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Isaiah Papali'i
16. King Vuniyayawa
17. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Others: Leivaha Pulu, David Fusitu'a, Jack Murchie, Josh Curran.

David Fusitu'a is unavailable after his relocation to Australia was delayed due to personal reasons. Jazz Tevaga (knee), Adam Keighran (knee) and Leeson Ah Mau have suffered training accidents and will be sidelined long term.

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Valentine Holmes
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Justin O’Neill
4. Esan Marsters
5. Ben Hampton
6. Scott Drinkwater
7. Jake Clifford
8. Josh McGuire
9. Jake Granville
10. Jordan McLean
11. Gavin Cooper
12. Coen Hess
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Reece Robson
15. John Asiata
16. Mitchell Dunn
17. Francis Molo

Others: Reuben Cotter, Corey Jensen, Tom Opacic, Shane Wright

A fairly settled squad for Paul Green with no injuries or suspensions at the Cowboys leading into round three apart from skipper Michael Morgan (shoulder). He will miss the first few rounds after undergoing surgery. Jake Clifford is set to partner Scott Drinkwater in the halves.

Parramatta Eels

1. Clint Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Michael Jennings
4. Waqa Blake
5. Blake Ferguson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Ray Stone/Reed Mahoney
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Ryan Matterson
13. Peni Terepo
14. Brad Takairangi
15. Marata Niukore
16. Kane Evans
17. David Gower

Others: Will Smith, Jaeman Salmon, Daniel Alvaro, Oregon Kaufusi.

Reed Mahoney's foot injury before the break appears to be Parramatta's biggest concern, although the dummy-half will be close to a return. Eels coach Brad Arthur is confident he will be right but he has Ray Stone, Will Smith and Rhys Davies as back-up options at hooker.

Parramatta forward Nathan Brown will miss rounds three and four after copping a dangerous conduct suspension before the hiatus with Peni Terepo the likely replacement.

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Josh Mansour
3. Dean Whare
4. Brent Naden
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Matt Burton
8. James Tamou
9. Api Koroisau
10. Zane Tetevano
11. Viliame Kikau
12. James Fisher-Harris
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Stephen Crichton
15. Kurt Capewell
16. Moses Leota
17. Liam Martin

Others: Mitch Kenny, Spencer Leniu, Caleb Aikens, Jed Cartwright.

Matt Burton looms as the likely halfback for Penrith when the competition resumes after Nathan Cleary accepted a two-match ban for breaching social distancing rules. Burton is likely to partner Jarome Luai in the halves for Ivan Cleary's team.

The Panthers are expected to welcome back Dylan Edwards from an ankle injury after the fullback fell short of a round two comeback prior to the competition's suspension. His return should mean Caleb Aikens reverts to the reserves list.

Former Shark Kurt Capewell is also set to play his first game of the year after overcoming a quad complaint. Jack Hetherington faces another week on the sidelines through suspension.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Campbell Graham
4. Braidon Burns
5. Dane Gagai
6. Troy Dargan
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Tom Burgess
11. Jaydn Su'A
12. Cameron Murray
13. Liam Knight
14. Mark Nicholls
15. Ethan Lowe
16. Hame Sele
17. Bryson Goodwin

Others: Bayley Sironen, Patrick Mago, Kurt Dillon, James Roberts.

There are doubts over James Roberts's availability after the star centre entered a facility to deal with health issues. If he doesn't play, Alex Johnston is likely to come onto the wing with Campbell Graham heading into the centres. Latrell Mitchell is set to stay at fullback.

"I'm not too sure about Jimmy, we haven't made a decision with that yet," skipper Adam Reynolds said on Monday. "He's only had the one training session with us but he was happy and smiling at training, that's the most important thing. Latrell, I think you'll find in the No.1."

Cody Walker's two-game suspension for an off-field incident opens the door for Troy Dargan to partner skipper Adam Reynolds in the halves.

St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Matt Dufty
2. Jordan Pereira
3. Brayden Williame
4. Tim Lafai
5. Zac Lomax
6. Corey Norman
7. Ben Hunt
8. James Graham
9. Cameron McInnes
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Tariq Sims
13. Blake Lawrie
14. Issac Luke
15. Korbin Sims
16. Tyrell Fuimaono
17. Trent Merrin

Others: Euan Aitken, Josh Kerr, Jacob Host, Mikaele Ravalawa.

They will welcome back Cameron McInnes, Tariq Sims and Korbin Sims. The return of McInnes looms as the biggest inclusion with Issac Luke expected to shift to the bench and offer a utility role. The early season form of Tyrell Fuimaono should keep him on the interchange ahead of the likes of Jacob Host and Josh Kerr.

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Joey Manu
5. Brett Morris
6. Luke Keary
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Jake Friend
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Boyd Cordner
12. Mitch Aubusson
13. Victor Radley
14. Sam Verrills
15. Angus Crichton
16. Isaac Liu
17. Nat Butcher

Others: Lindsay Collins, Sitili Tupouniua, Ryan Hall, Matt Ikuvalu.

Veteran skipper Boyd Cordner will be back after his two-week rest turned into a two-month layoff following fears around his workload over the off-season. His return should mean the premiers are just about back to full strength, while the arrival of Josh Morris only adds to the back line. Nat Butcher missed the round-two clash but is expected to be available for a return.

Wests Tigers

1. Adam Doueihi
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Joey Leilua
4. Moses Mbye
5. Corey Thompson
6. Benji Marshall
7. Luke Brooks
8. Josh Aloiai
9. Billy Walters
10. Alex Twal
11. Luke Garner
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Elijah Taylor
14. Josh Reynolds
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Zane Musgrove
17. Chris Lawrence

Others: Michael Chee-Kam, Matt Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings, Harry Grant.

Coach Michael Maguire is set to start Adam Doueihi at fullback in a number of positional changes when the NRL restarts. Moses Mbye is set to return from a knee complaint in Doueihi's centre spot with the former Rabbitoh's switch to fullback sending Corey Thompson to the wing.

The arrival of Harry Grant is also going to put further pressure on Billy Walters and Josh Reynolds around the dummy half position with Brooks returning, while injured hooker Jacob Liddle is nearing a return from an ACL rupture. The likes of Michael Chee-Kam, Matt Eisenhuth and Robert Jennings could remain in the reserves.

The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.