SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers celebrates scoring a try during the 2023 NRL Grand Final match between Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The injuries and suspensions continue as NRL clubs head into Round 4 of the competition, while some coaches may decide to make some bold moves to shake up their roster.
The Cronulla Sharks have been dealt with a trio of injuries to their forwards, while the Broncos have lost another star player for this week.
Teams will be named on Tuesday at 4pm (AEST), but here is all the latest in news and rumours.
The Sydney Roosters will regain their primary halves pairing with Luke Keary returning from concussion and Sam Walker's HIA being downgraded from a Grade 1 to Grade 2 concussion.
However, they will be without prop Lindsay Collins, who will miss due to a hamstring injury. This could see Siua Wong being called up after spending the week in the NSW Cup. Egan Butcher is also an option if they decide to go another way.
Zero Tackle understands that Sandon Smith will not play in the match due to injury, with Connor Watson set to keep his spot on the interchange bench as the utility player.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Joseph Suaalii 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Terrell May 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Angus Crichton 17. Siua Wong
The Penrith Panthers will likely remain unchanged in the forwards, with the club yet to deliver a return timeline on injured prop James Fisher-Harris. If the forward does return, it will come at the expense of Matthew Eisenhuth, who will be demoted.
Fox Sports has reported that Nathan Cleary will spend at least a month on the sidelines with an injury, allowing Brad Schneider to play in the halfback role.
It is also reported by The Daily Telegraph that Scott Sorensen will miss the clash, with Mavrik Geyer taking his spot, per The Western Weekender.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Mavrik Geyer 16. Liam Henry 17. Matthew Eisenhuth
The Rabbitohs sustained no injuries last round, but their poor form could see Jason Demetriou make several changes to the team as he looks for his first win of the season and aims to keep his job as head coach.
It's hard to see him omit Dean Hawkins after one-game, especially considering he had a solid performance. If Demetriou is set to make any changes, it will be to the forwards, with Michael Chee-Kam and Shaquai Mitchell the likely players to earn a call-up.
He may also decide to replace Siliva Havili with Peter Mamouzelos to play a one-two punch with Damien Cook.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jack Wighton 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Michael Chee-Kam 13. Cameron Murray 14. Siliva Havili 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Thomas Burgess
Coming off a victory against the Titans, the Bulldogs will receive a double boost in the additions of Josh Addo-Carr and Poasa Faamausili as the duo return from injury.
Addo-Carr's inclusion will see either Blake Wilson or Connor Tracey make way for him, while Faamausili will likely take the starting front-row spot after playing there in the opening two weeks.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Liam Knight
The injury woes continue at the Broncos, with Kevin Walters confirming to AAP that Tristan Sailor will play at fullback due to the injury of Reece Walsh.
"Tristan is going to get his opportunity and a good block of footy to show everybody what he can do," Walters told AAP.
Payne Haas won't be back for at least another six weeks, while Walters revealed that Reynolds is a chance to play but won't risk him and is happy to allow Jock Madden to keep his spot in the halves.
Ted Roker from 10 News has also reported that Brendan Piakura is in doubt for the inner-state clash with Jaiyden Hunt or Corey Oates set to be his replacement.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Corey Oates 17. Martin Taupau
Sitting on top of the table, the Cowboys are likely to only make one change with Zac Laybutt re-entering the team after being a late withdrawal last round due to an ankle injury - Tom Chester will remain on standby.
Reuben Cotter picked up a minor ankle injury, but Cowboys fans should have nothing to worry about.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 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
Francis Molo (suspension) and Jacob Liddle (concussion) will find themselves returning to the team. Liddle will be a direct replacement for Jesse Marschke despite him having a solid showing in Round 3.
Molo will be a direct replacement for Jaydn Su'A (quad) after the latter was ruled out in the lead-up to last week's game. This will see him start in the front-row, pushing Jack de Belin to lock and Ben Murdoch-Masila to the interchange bench.
Recruit Hame Sele is still carrying a hamstring niggle, with Shane Flanagan yet to provide an estimated return timeline on when he will be available for selection.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Jack de Belin 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila 17. Tom Eisenhuth
After missing Round 3 due to an ankle injury, Tommy Talau will enter the team at the expense of Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, with Jason Saab still on the sidelines.
Toafofoa Sipley is also a chance to make his season debut as he returns from suspension. Sipley was given a three-game suspension after a Grade 2 Crusher Tackle on Dominic Young in the Pre-Season Challenge - Ethan Bullemor or Corey Waddell are the likeliest players to exit the team.
Project Round 4 Team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Tommy Talau 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. Toafofoa Sipley 17. Nathan Brown
Captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been ruled out of the season with an ACL injury, which is a massive blow for the club.
Fellow forward David Fifita (pec) is a chance to return, but it is no certainty at this stage and will likely be eased back into the team in the coming weeks.
Fullback Jayden Campbell played his first game of the season last week in the QLD Cup and is set to make his NRL return this week after recovering from injury.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Keenan Palasia 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Jaimin Jolliffe 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Klese Haas
With their last game being a 38-0 victory against the Dragons, The Dolphins will only make one change with Ray Stone (concussion) being available for selection.
His availability will see him retake the lock position, with Wayne Bennett pushing Max Plath to the bench and Kurt Donoghoe to the reserves.
Sean O'Sullivan will remain in the QLD Cup, with the halves paring Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4, Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Ray Stone 14. Josh Kerr 15. Ray Stone 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Jarrod Wallace
Despite losing Taine Tuaupiki, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will finally make his season debut. There is also some uncertainty surrounding Wayde Egan and Dylan Walker after the duo were both ruled out in the lead-up to Round 3.
However, they are expected to be back and will take their respective places in the team - hooker and interchange bench.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jackson Ford 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Freddy Lussick
Prop Leo Thompson will be unavailable this round. He faces a one to two-week suspension after an incident involving Ryan Papenhuyzen.
His spot will be taken by Jack Hetherington who returns from a minor ankle injury.
After a disappointing performance against the Melbourne Storm, Jack Cogger will likely wind up in the NSW Cup in favour of Jackson Hastings. Hastings was incredible in the NSW Cup and delivered a great showing.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Tom Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Jed Cartwright 17. Dylan Lucas
The Sharks have been dealt with three injury blows this week, with Royce Hunt (calf), Dale Finucane (concussion) and Toby Rudolf (ankle) all out for this weekend.
The club will be hoping to regain Braden Hamlin-Uele (knee), who has been absent due to injury but will still be without Briton Nikora (suspension).
Tuku Hau Tapuha will likely re-enter the team, and due to the shortage of fit players available, don't be surprised if Kayal Iro enters the centres with Siosifa Talakai moving to the forwards.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Jack Williams 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Kayal Iro 15. Billy Burns 16. Thomas Hazleton 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha
The Raiders will regain Sebastian Kris after he was ruled out last week due to suffering a HIA, directly replacing Nick Cotric. James Schiller is pushing to be selected into the team after some great NSW Cup performances but will remain as 18th man.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Zac Hosking 17. Pasami Saulo
The Parramatta Eels will receive a double boost to their outside backs. Maika Sivo will play his first game of the season after his suspension ends, while Bailey Simonsson returns from the 11-day stand-down period.
Second-rower Bryce Cartwright picked up a minor injury against the Manly Sea Eagles but is expected to be fit and ready to fire against the Tigers.
The club also confirmed on Monday evening that star Mitchell Moses will spend at least two months on the sidelines with injury. The injury will see either Daejarn Asi or Ethan Sanders take his place in the side.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi
After an incredible victory against the Cronulla Sharks, the Tigers will only need to make one change after Alex Twal did not return to the game after being involved in a head clash.
Twal's extensive history with concussions will likely see him miss the game with Zero Tackle understanding that Sione Fainu is firming for his NRL debut. Justin Matamua and Brandon Tumeth are two other options.
Projected Round 4 Team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Justin Olam 4. Solomona Faataape 5. Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Sione Fainu 17. Samuela Fainu