NRL 2021. Round 3 NRL team lists, Confirmed match day squads and changes for all 16 clubs

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sun 28 Mar 2021, 05:16 PM

Official team lists, updates and injury news for round three of the 2021 Telstra Premiership season.

Round 3 teams lists

Panthers v Storm, Thursday 8.05pm at BlueBet Stadium

Round 3 - Round 3 - Thursday 25 Mar

Full Time

Panthers

Storm

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards

Fullback for Storm is number 17 Nicholas Hynes
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Charlie Staines

Winger for Storm is number 2 George Jennings
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Paul Momirovski

Centre for Storm is number 3 Reimis Smith
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen Crichton

Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o

Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome Luai

Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
Halfback for Panthers is number 19 Matt Burton

Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota

Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch Kenny

Hooker for Storm is number 9 Brandon Smith
Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris

Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian Welch
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Viliame Kikau

2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Tom Eisenhuth
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Kurt Capewell

2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo

Lock for Storm is number 15 Tui Kamikamica

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Tyrone May

Interchange for Storm is number 13 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Spencer Leniu

Interchange for Storm is number 16 Chris Lewis
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Matthew Eisenhuth

Interchange for Storm is number 19 Darryn Schonig
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Liam Martin

Interchange for Storm is number 20 Tyson Smoothy

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:59 PM

Panthers: Nathan Cleary is out due to the head knock he copped last Saturday from former teammate Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the win over Canterbury. Playmaker Matt Burton has been elevated from the reserves list and will play halfback.

Api Koroisau (broken wrist) is expected to miss at least another five weeks. Mitch Kenny took Koroisau's place against the Bulldogs and punched out 80 minutes.

Scott Sorensen and Jaeman Salmon were omitted from the reserves an hour before kick-off after Cleary and J'maine Hopgood dropped out of the squad on Wednesday.

The Panthers have not defeated the Storm in Penrith since 2013.

Storm: A few late changes for Melbourne. Tui Kamikamica starts at lock with Nelson Asofa-Solomona to come off the bench. Darryn Schonig and Tyson Smoothy join the interchange with Aaron Pene and Cooper Johns dropping out.

Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is out with a neck injury with Nicho Hynes promoted from the bench to take his spot.

Papenhuyzen and Dean Ieremia came out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off.

Centre Justin Olam has scored 12 tries in his past 12 games.

What makes a good defensive fullback

Dragons v Sea Eagles, Friday 6.00pm at WIN Stadium

Round 3 - Round 3 - Friday 26 Mar

Full Time

Dragons

Sea Eagles

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Matthew Dufty

Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Dylan Walker
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Cody Ramsey

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jack Bird

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Brad Parker
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax

Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Mosese Suli
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa

Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben Garrick
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Corey Norman

Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Kieran Foran
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt

Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Blake Lawrie

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Taniela Paseka
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Andrew McCullough

Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Lachlan Croker
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Paul Vaughan

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Martin Taupau
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Josh Kerr

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Jack Gosiewski
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims

2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Josh Schuster
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tyrell Fuimaono

Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Poasa Faamausili

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Cade Cust
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Trent Merrin

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Sean Keppie
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Daniel Alvaro

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Josh Aloiai
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Brayden Wiliame

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 20 Toafofoa Sipley

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:59 PM

Dragons: The team will start 1-17 after Kaide Ellis and Jackson Ford were left out an hour before kick-off.

The only occupant of the Red V injury ward close to a return is halfback Jayden Sullivan, who is at least a week away with a hamstring injury.

Adam Clune and Jordan Pereira were omitted from the reserves list on Thursday night.

The Dragons have won five of their past six games against Manly.

Sea Eagles: Manly will start 1-13, with the only change coming on the bench, with Toafofoa Sipley (No.20) making the final 17. Morgan Boyle and Tevita Funa were the two players omitted an hour before kick-off.

Bench utility Cade Cust has passed his concussion protocols and will take his place against the Dragons.

Talented youngster Josh Schuster will replace back-rower Andrew Davey, who suffered a season-ending ruptured ACL in the loss to South Sydney.

Manly's back-row stocks are low with Curtis Sironen (knee, round six) and Haumole Olakau'atu (elbow, indefinite) also unavailable for selection.

Superstar custodian Tom Trbojevic is nearing a return but is expected to miss at least one more week so the Dylan Walker experiment at fullback will continue despite Hasler contemplating a backline shake-up in the wake of the Rabbitohs loss.

The Sea Eagles have not won in Wollongong since 2003.

Rabbitohs v Roosters, Friday 8.05pm at Stadium Australia

Round 3 - Round 3 - Friday 26 Mar

Full Time

Rabbitohs

Roosters

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Latrell Mitchell

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston

Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Dane Gagai

Centre for Roosters is number 3 Josh Morris
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell Graham

Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Josh Mansour

Winger for Roosters is number 5 Brett Morris
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker

Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Lachlan Lam
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Adam Reynolds

Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke Keary

Forwards

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Thomas Burgess

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Lindsay Collins
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook

Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Freddy Lussick
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Tevita Tatola

Prop for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi

2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jaydn Su'a

2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray

Lock for Roosters is number 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Benji Marshall

Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Mark Nicholls

Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Patrick Mago

Interchange for Roosters is number 18 Drew Hutchison
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Jai Arrow

Interchange for Roosters is number 21 Fletcher Baker

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Todd Smith
Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:58 PM

Rabbitohs: There were no changes on match day with South Sydney's line-up confirmed 1-17 at the final cut-down. The men to miss out were Jacob Host and Steven Marsters.

Coach Wayne Bennett had confirmed on Thursday that halfback Adam Reynolds would take his place in the blockbuster.

"He's done all his tests and protocols and he's good," Bennett said of his star playmaker.

Prop Junior Tatola is also good to go after overcoming a hamstring complaint.

Winger Josh Mansour has been recalled to the starting side to replace Jaxson Paulo, who has suffered two concussions in recent weeks and will be rested.

Middle forward Liam Knight resumed contact training last week after his own bout of concussion but is still not expected back until round four.

Tautau Moga and Troy Dargan were the players trimmed from the extended bench 24 hours before kick-off.

The Rabbitohs claimed their biggest ever win over the Roosters (60-8) when these teams last met.

Roosters: Interchange forward Nat Butcher failed to make the final 17 with last week's try-scoring debutant Fletcher Baker taking his place on the bench. Matt Ikuvalu is the other match-day omission.

Victor Radley's return from injury has been delayed due to a minor shoulder injury, with Drew Hutchison replacing him on the bench. Sam Walker was the other player to drop out of the playing squad on Thursday night.

Angus Crichton will return from a one-match suspension for a crusher tackle on the right edge.

Hooker and captain Jake Friend (concussion) is missing again this week while his understudy Sam Verrills (knee) is still a couple of weeks away from making his return from ACL surgery.

The Roosters have won their opening three games only once in the past 17 seasons.

Raiders v Warriors, Saturday 3.00pm at GIO Stadium

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 27 Mar

Full Time

Raiders

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Bailey Simonsson

Winger for Warriors is number 2 David Fusitu'a
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Adam Pompey
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Curtis Scott

Centre for Warriors is number 4 Peta Hiku
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan Rapana

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Ken Maumalo
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 George Williams

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'i

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh Hodgson

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
Prop for Raiders is number 15 Ryan Sutton

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Bunty Afoa
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead

2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Eliesa Katoa
2nd Row for Raiders is number 21 Sebastian Kris

2nd Row for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Joseph Tapine

Lock for Warriors is number 14 Jazz Tevaga

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva Havili

Interchange for Warriors is number 12 Bayley Sironen
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Iosia Soliola

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Ben Murdoch-Masila
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Ryan James

Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Leeson Ah Mau
Interchange for Raiders is number 19 Tom Starling

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Jack Murchie

Match Officials

Referee: Henry Perenara
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:58 PM

Raiders: In a series of changes made public an hour before the match, Ryan Sutton (No.15) will start at prop and Sebastian Kris (No.21) in the second row, after Hudson Young (No.11) and Caleb Aekins (No. 20) were the last two players omitted.

Tom Starling will come off the bench.

A boost for the Green Machine with co-captain Jarrod Croker named to play his first game of the year after recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.

Coach Ricky Stuart was waiting for Croker to improve his conditioning after missing training due to off-season shoulder surgery.

Dunamis Lui and Sam Williams were the two players left out 24 hours before the match.

The Raiders have won three of their past four games against the Warriors.

Warriors: In a series of positional changes announced an hour before kick-off, Jazz Tevaga (No.14) comes into the starting side at lock, Tohu Harris (No.13) moves into the second row and Bayley Sironen (No.12) will start on the interchange bench.

Tom Ale and Marcelo Montoya were the two players left out an hour before the match.

Sean O'Sullivan will come into the side at halfback to replace Chanel Harris-Tavita, who is set to spend up to 12 weeks out after scans revealed a stress fracture in his left foot.

Bunty Afoa will start at prop in place of the suspended Jamayne Taunoa-Brown and Jack Murchie has been named to return from a pectoral injury on the bench.

Kane Evans and Paul Turner were culled from the reserves when the team was reduced to 19 on Friday.

Prop Addin Fonua-Blake will make his 100th NRL appearance.

Meet Jack Wighton's grassroots club

Broncos v Bulldogs, Saturday 5.30pm at Suncorp Stadium

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 27 Mar

Full Time

Broncos

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Jamayne Isaako

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Corey Allan
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Xavier Coates

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Nick Meaney
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Herbie Farnworth

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Will Hopoate
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Tesi Niu

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Nick Cotric
Winger for Broncos is number 5 David Mead

Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Tuipulotu Katoa
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Anthony Milford

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Jake Averillo
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Brodie Croft

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle Flanagan

Forwards

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Tevita Pangai Junior

Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Jack Hetherington
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jake Turpin

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Thomas Flegler

Prop for Bulldogs is number 17 Dylan Napa
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Alex Glenn

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Adam Elliott
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Corey Waddell
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Josh Jackson

Interchange

Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Rhys Kennedy

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 8 Ofahiki Ogden
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Ethan Bullemor

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Sione Katoa
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Ben Te'o

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Renouf Atoni
Interchange for Broncos is number 18 Tom Dearden

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Joe Stimson

Match Officials

Referee: Ben Cummins
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Touch Judge: Nick Morel
Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:58 PM

Broncos: Brodie Croft has retained the No.7 jersey but young halfback Tom Dearden has been recalled to the squad to be the bench utility with John Asiata rested due to a neck concern.

Coach Kevin Walters has backed his players to turn things around despite the fact Brisbane's record-breaking losing streak now stands at 13.

Forward leader Payne Haas will return from suspension next round while prop Matthew Lodge (hamstring) is at least a week or two away.

After Richie Kennar and Cory Paix were the two players left out 24 hours before the match, Asiata and Corey Oates were omitted an hour before kick-off..

The Broncos have won their past five games against the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.

Bulldogs: There has been one change announced an hour before kick-off, with Dylan Napa moving into the starting side and Ofahiki Ogden now back on the bench.

Dean Britt and Lachlan Lewis were the two players left out an hour before kick-off.

Back-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner (broken foot) has been lost for up to 20 weeks with Corey Waddell moving from the interchange into the starting line-up and Joe Stimson from the reserves last week to the bench.

Winger Tuipulotu Katoa will play his second NRL game as the replacement for suspended Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

Hooker Sione Katoa has changed places with Jeremy Marshall-King, who made his comeback from injury last week via the bench.

Centre Nick Cotric has scored five tries in his past four games against the Broncos.

Eels v Sharks, Saturday 7.35pm at Bankwest Stadium

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 27 Mar

Full Time

Eels

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
Centre for Eels is number 3 Tom Opacic

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Josh Dugan
Centre for Eels is number 4 Marata Niukore

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Connor Tracey
Winger for Eels is number 5 Blake Ferguson

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Braden Hamlin-Uele
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Reed Mahoney

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Aaron Woods
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Isaiah Papali'i

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
Lock for Eels is number 13 Nathan Brown

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Toby Rudolf

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Oregon Kaufusi

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Teig Wilton
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Keegan Hipgrave

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Aiden Tolman
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Will Smith

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Jack Williams
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Ray Stone

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Billy Magoulias

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:58 PM

Eels: In the only change to the 17, Ryan Matterson (concussion) will not play after his heavy head knock in the impressive win over Melbourne.

Matterson is replaced in the starting back row by impressive off-season recruit Isaiah Papali'i. That brings Ray Stone, who makes his NRL return from a knee injury, onto the bench.

The Eels will be without centre Waqa Blake for at least a month after he suffered a calf injury at training last week while Bryce Cartwright (broken jaw) and Michael Oldfield (knee) are scheduled to return between rounds four and six.

Haze Dunster and Joey Lussick were trimmed from the reserves list on game day after Jordan Rankin and David Hollis were left out 24 hours before the match.

Parramatta have a 76 per cent winning record at Bankwest Stadium.

Sharks: Utility Connor Tracey will step up from the interchange to replace centre Mawene Hiroti, who was subbed out for Tracey just after half-time in the loss to Canberra.

Hiroti, who stepped in for the suspended Jesse Ramien in round two, has slipped all the way out of the 17 with Teig Wilton promoted to take Tracey's place on the interchange.

It will be at least a month before we see Royce Hunt (knee) and Siosifa Talakai (shoulder) who have had their returns delayed after initially being expected back early in the season.

Ramien will return from suspension in round five while star half Shaun Johnson is due back in round seven or eight from an Achilles injury.

Hiroti and Andrew Fifita were cut from the reserves an hour before kick-off after Nene Macdonald and Braydon Trindall were the two players omitted on Friday night.

The Sharks have won six of their past eight games against the Eels.

Knights v Wests Tigers, Sunday 4.05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium

Round 3 - Round 3 - Sunday 28 Mar

Full Time

Knights

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tex Hoy

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Daine Laurie
Winger for Knights is number 5 Hymel Hunt

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David Nofoaluma
Centre for Knights is number 3 Enari Tuala

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Tommy Talau
Centre for Knights is number 32 Dominic Young

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 James Roberts
Winger for Knights is number 18 Gehamat Shibasaki

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Asu Kepaoa
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kurt Mann

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Adam Doueihi
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Mitchell Pearce

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke Brooks

Forwards

Prop for Knights is number 8 David Klemmer

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Zane Musgrove
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jacob Liddle
Prop for Knights is number 10 Daniel Saifiti

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 James Tamou
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Luke Garner
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Mitchell Barnett

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Luciano Leilua
Lock for Knights is number 14 Sauaso Sue

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Twal

Interchange

Interchange for Knights is number 13 Connor Watson

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Jacob Saifiti

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Thomas Mikaele
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Josh King

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Stefano Utoikamanu
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie Jones

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Moses Mbye

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
Touch Judge: Chris Butler
Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:58 PM

Knights: Englishman Dominic Young will make his NRL debut in the centres following Saturday's withdrawal of Bradman Best due to an elbow injury.

Young's promotion into the starting side sees Gehamat Shibasaki moved onto the wing and Starford To'a joining Pasami Saulo as the two players left out an hour before the match.

In another late reshuffle, Sauaso Sue will start at lock with Connor Watson on the interchange bench.

Five-eighth Kurt Mann (knee) is set to make a swift return after his late withdrawal from the side to play the Warriors.

His replacement Phoenix Crossland was suspended for a crusher tackle.

Newcastle's injury ward will begin to empty over the coming weeks with Edrick Lee (foot) expected back next week, Kalyn Ponga (shoulder) in round four or five, and veteran playmaker Blake Green (knee) somewhere between rounds five and eight.

As well as Best, Nathanael Sasagi was left out 24 hours before the match.

The Knights outscored Wests Tigers 86-28 across two clashes in 2020.

Wests Tigers: Michael Maguire's side will start 1-17 with Michael Chee-Kam and Russell Packer the two players left out an hour before kik-off.

Maguire confirmed after the loss to the Roosters that James Roberts (shoulder) would return and the centre has been named.

Joey Leilua is the man to make way, paying the price for an abject defensive display on the left edge. It remains to be seen whether Maguire will move Roberts from the right to help plug-up their defence.

Zane Musgrove will return from suspension to a place in the front row with off-season recruit Joe Ofahengaue dropping back to the bench and Michael Chee Kam joining Joey Leilua in the reserves.

Hooker Billy Walters (knee) and back-rower Shawn Blore (wrist) will not be back before round six at the earliest.

Joey Leilua and Alex Seyfarth were the two players left out on the eve of the match.

Wests Tigers have won three of their past four games at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Cowboys v Titans, Sunday 6.15pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Round 3 - Round 3 - Sunday 28 Mar

Full Time

Cowboys

Titans

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 5 Valentine Holmes

Fullback for Titans is number 1 AJ Brimson
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Murray Taulagi

Winger for Titans is number 2 Anthony Don
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Esan Marsters

Centre for Titans is number 3 Phillip Sami
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Centre for Titans is number 4 Patrick Herbert
Winger for Cowboys is number 18 Justin O'Neill

Winger for Titans is number 5 Corey Thompson
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater

Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Tanah Boyd
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake Clifford

Halfback for Titans is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Francis Molo

Prop for Titans is number 8 Jarrod Wallace
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson

Hooker for Titans is number 9 Mitch Rein
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jordan McLean

Prop for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Mitchell Dunn

2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Kevin Proctor
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Coen Hess

2nd Row for Titans is number 12 David Fifita
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter

Lock for Titans is number 14 Tyrone Peachey

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville

Interchange for Titans is number 10 Moeaki Fotuaika
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Josh McGuire

Interchange for Titans is number 15 Sam Lisone
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Corey Jensen

Interchange for Titans is number 16 Jaimin Jolliffe
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Lachlan Burr

Interchange for Titans is number 17 Erin Clark

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:58 PM

Cowboys: A late reshuffle in the backline with Valentine Holmes moving to his preferred fullback position and Scott Drinkwater shifting to five-eighth with Ben Hampton dropping out. Shane Wright was the other player to drop out and hour before kick-off.

Justin O'Neill has come off the reserves list to play wing in jersey 18.

Michael Morgan (shoulder) and Peter Hola were omitted on Saturday.

Second-rower Coen Hess suffered a burner injury against the Dragons but will play.

Murray Taulagi will replace suspended winger Kyle Feldt, who copped a two-week ban for his tackle on Dragons centre Jack Bird.

Payten elected to stick with Reuben Cotter at No.13 as forward leader Jason Taumalolo's (broken hand) replacement despite a spirited challenge from veteran Josh McGuire. Cotter was the team's Players' Player against St George Illawarra.

The Cowboys have won 10 of their past 11 games against the Titans.

Titans: Tyrone Peachey has been brought into the starting side at lock with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui shifting to prop and Moeaki Fotuaika to the bench.

Beau Fermor and Sam Stone were omitted an hour before kick-off.

A hand injury has sidelined five-eighth Ash Taylor for at least a few weeks. Tanah Boyd will make his second start at No.6 in Taylor's place.

Phillip Sami will continue to deputise in the centres with Brian Kelly (fractured hand) scheduled to return in round five.

Herman Ese'ese and Sam McIntyre dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off.

The Titans have not won in Townsville since 2012.