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.
Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles
Bailey Simonsson has been ruled out of the match, and with Maika Sivo still suspended, the Eels will look to either Haze Dunster or Zac Cini to join the team to round out the backline.
After spending the majority of last week in the centres, Kelma Tuilagi is also likely to be unavailable due to a shoulder injury.
Projected Round 3 Team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Haze Dunster 3. Will Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Brendan Hands 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Wiremu Greig
Tommy Talau will join Jason Saab on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury that could keep him out for up to a couple of months. After contending with Talau last week for the vacant spot, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega will likely be called up.
There has been no news yet on the status of Josh Schuster, but due to the club winning their first two matches in dominant fashion, it's hard to see him entering the team, and he will likely remain in the NSW Cup.
Project Round 3 Team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown
