NRL team lists are in for Round 2, with plenty of focus on the Wests Tigers ahead of their first game of the year, as well as key decisions in the halves around the competition.
A number of players, headlined by Josh Addo-Carr are either named, or a chance, at returning early.
Here are all the key team list talking points for Round 2, rapid fire style.
All 16 team lists for Round 2 in full
Brisbane Broncos
- A late swap in Round 1 has been reversed, with Ezra Mam named to start at five-eighth for Round 2 and Ben Hunt relegated to the bench.
- No other changes for the Broncos. Blake Mozer remains 20th man, unable to get a run in the top side.
- The mystery surrounding Brendan Piakura's injury continues. He is not named.
Parramatta Eels
- Josh Addo-Carr is back on deck early from a thumb injury in a major unexpected boost for Parramatta.
- Sean Russell shuffles to centre, and Brian Kelly moves out of the 19-man side.
- J'maine Hopgood surprisingly didn't challenge his suspension so misses out. Jack Williams moves to prop, and Kelma Tuilagi starts in the second-row.
- Charlie Guymer is the new face on the six-man bench.
2026-03-13T07:00:00Z
Warriors WON BY 34 POINTS
New Zealand Warriors
- No need to change a winning side for the Warriors who name the same 19.
- Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Marata Niukore are both a chance of playing though - named in jerseys 21 and 22 respectively.
Canberra Raiders
- Josh Papalii is out with concussion, so Morgan Smithies will start at prop.
- Matt Timoko is the new face on the bench. He was a surprise ommission from Round 1 until it emerged his foot injury saw Ricky Stuart ease him back through the NSW Cup. Simi Sasagi had a strong game though, so Timoko is no guarantee of getting his spot back.
2026-03-13T09:00:00Z
Roosters WON BY 8 POINTS
Sydney Roosters
- Robert Toia returns from injury in the centres. Mark Nawaqanitawase shuffles is on the wing and Junior Pauga goes back to the six-man bench. Toby Rodwell drops out.
- The halves looked disjointed in Round 1, but Daly Cherry-Evans remains at six, and Sam Walker seven.
- Siua Wong starts in the second-row, with Nat Butcher going back to the bench in a straight swap.
- Egan Butcher also starts at lock instead of Blake Steep, who plays from the bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Ashton Ward is out with a syndesmosis injury. Jayden Sullivan is promoted to halfback and Latrell Siegwalt joins the six-man bench in South Sydney's only swap.
2026-03-14T04:00:00Z
Wests Tigers WON BY 28 POINTS
Wests Tigers
- First game of the year for the Tigers, and there is no surprise in Heamasi Makasini taking a starting spot, but in the centres.
- Luke Laulilii takes the vacant wing spot. Starford To'a is out, and Jeral Skelton only finds a spot on the six-man bench.
- The forward pack is about as you'd expect for the Tigers, but Jock Madden finds his way onto the six-man bench, and so too does Tristan Hope, Mavrik Geyer and Heath Mason can only find spots in jerseys 20 and 22, respectively.
North Queensland Cowboys
- Scott Drinkwater is named despite having a rib problem in Las Vegas.
- Braidon Burns is also named despite facing the judiciary on Tuesday evening. Robert Derby in jersey 20 is his most likely replacement if needed, having been on the bench in Round 1.
- Thomas Mikaele is out injured, so both Ethan King and Liam Sutton join the six-man bench.
2026-03-14T08:30:00Z
Panthers WON BY 20 POINTS
St George Illawarra Dragons
- Mathew Feagai, who was activated in Round 1, drops out of the 19-man side. David Fale takes his place on the bench.
- Hamish Stewart is named to return to the starting side at lock, with Hame Sele to play from the bench after a late swap in Vegas.
- Jacob Halangahu is close to game time - he is in jersey 20.
Melbourne Storm
- Alec MacDonald's confussion enforced break means Tui Kamikamica is promoted into the starting side at lock. Melbourne has plenty of back-rowers missing, but Shawn Blore is a chance of playing, named in jersey 21.
- Kamikamica starting means Jack Hetherington joins the six-man bench, which is otherwise the same as last week.
2026-03-15T05:05:00Z
Knights WON BY 20 POINTS
Penrith Panthers
- No changes for the Panthers. Thomas Jenkins retains his place with Paul Alamoti in the centres and Izack Tago on the six-man bench.
- Still no sign of Liam Martin.
Cronulla Sharks
- No changes for the Sharks either.
- Teig Wilton remains sidelined, while Cameron McInnes is also out but could be back earlier than expected.
2026-03-15T07:15:00Z
Dolphins WON BY 4 POINTS
Manly Sea Eagles
- Kobe Hetherington wins his first start of the year with Siosiua Taukeiaho out to a calf injury.
- Corey Waddell and Clayton Faulalo both drop off the six-man bench, with the three new faces being Paul Bryan, Brandon Wakeham and Josh Feledy.
Newcastle Knights
- Sandon Smith becomes five-eighth with Fletcher Sharpe missing due to a knee injury.
- Tyson Frizell is named to start at lock, with Mat Croker reverting to the bench.
- Harrison Graham is the new face on the bench, with Tyson Gamble as the 20th man.
