It may only be Round 3, but several NRL clubs have been hit with injuries and suspensions to star players, while another coach has decided to axe a star halfback after two consecutive losses.
In what seems like a playmaker's curse, Adam Reynolds, Cameron Munster, Josh Schuster, Jayden Sullivan, Lachlan Ilias, Luke Keary, and Jahrome Hughes may all be absent this round.
Teams will be named on Tuesday at 4pm (AEST), but here is all the latest in news and rumours.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys
Prop Francis Molo is facing a two-game suspension and is set to be unavailable for the clash while will see a front-row spot be vacant. Brother Michael will likely replace him, with Hame Sele set to join the interchange bench if he returns in time from injury.
In other team news at the Red V, Luciano Leilua will likely start against his former club, pushing Tom Eisenhuth back to the interchange bench.
Projected Round 3 Team:  1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Michael Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Hame Sele 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Linked with multiple NRL clubs and eyeing a contract extension with the Cowboys, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will be looking to impress this week as he moves into the starting team after Heilum Luki's injury.
Teammate Jordan McLean also sustained an injury last week and is set to miss this week's game. In his place, the club will likely promote Thomas Mikaele to the starting prop position and move Jack Gosiewski onto the bench.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski
