Get ready for an exciting weekend of NRL action as Round 3 of the 2026 Telstra Premiership unfolds! With new rules allowing teams to carry a larger interchange bench, the strategic decisions and player rotations will be fascinating to watch. From injury updates to key player movements, let's dive into the team lists and explore the intriguing storylines heading into this round.
Raiders vs Bulldogs
The Raiders welcome back representative prop Josh Papalii, who returns from a concussion layoff to start in the front row. Morgan Smithies moves to the interchange bench, while Matt Timoko drops to the 19th player spot. For the Bulldogs, Enari Tuala makes his first appearance of the year, starting at centre with Bronson Xerri omitted. Tuala's inclusion brings off-season recruit Sean O'Sullivan onto the extended bench.
Roosters vs Panthers
The Roosters will be boosted by the return of off-season recruit Reece Robson, who has recovered from a thumb injury and is named to start at hooker. Benaiah Ioelu moves to the extended bench as a result. The Panthers welcome back Liam Martin, who overcomes a calf complaint to start at second row, pushing Luke Garner to the bench. Jack Cogger is omitted due to a head knock, with Freddy Lussick taking his place in the interchange.
Storm vs Broncos
Back-rower Trent Loiero returns for the Storm after serving a two-game ban, taking his place on the interchange bench. Lock Alec MacDonald is also part of the extended squad as he looks to return from concussion. For the Broncos, Grant Anderson makes his Broncos debut on the wing, with Deine Mariner shifting to centre and Gehamat Shibasaki dropping to the interchange. Skipper Adam Reynolds is named to play despite a rib injury, while Jack Gosiewski (HIA protocols) is omitted, with Xavier Willison starting the game.
Knights vs Warriors
The Knights welcome back Fletcher Sharpe, who takes over at five-eighth after recovering from a knee injury. Sandon Smith moves to halfback, while Fletcher Hunt takes over as fullback with skipper Kalyn Ponga out for 6-8 weeks with a hamstring injury. Veteran prop Jacob Saifiti steps up as the new captain. For the Warriors, coach Andrew Webster has had to make several changes due to injuries, with Kurt Capewell nursing a calf injury and Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in concussion protocols. Taine Tuaupiki starts at fullback, and Luke Hanson makes his NRL debut at five-eighth.
Sharks vs Dolphins
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon sticks with the same squad for the Sharks that faced the Panthers last round, with Teig Wilton listed among the reserves as he nears a return from an off-season shoulder injury. The Dolphins maintain some early-season stability with the same starting side, making just one change on the six-man interchange, with Sebastian Su'a replacing Brian Pouniu.
Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers
The Rabbitohs see the return of Jamie Humphreys, who takes over the No.7 jersey after serving a suspension. Jayden Sullivan moves to the bench, as does Euan Aitken, with Tallis Duncan starting in the back row. For the Wests Tigers, the loss of Taylan May (shoulder) sees Jeral Skelton start at centre, with Jock Madden again named in No.14.
Eels vs Dragons
The Eels make just one change, with prop J'maine Hopgood returning from suspension, which sees Jack Williams slide to lock and Jack de Belin move to the six-man bench. The Dragons receive a triple boost with the return of hooker Jacob Liddle from a hamstring injury, and halves Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson from ankle injuries. Damien Cook, who left the field for a HIA against the Storm, is also named to start.
Cowboys vs Titans
The Cowboys welcome back skipper Reuben Cotter, who missed last weekend's game for family reasons. Kai O'Donnell moves back to the bench, and Matt Lodge goes to the reserves. Zac Laybutt, who served a suspension, is listed in jersey No.18. The Titans are boosted by the return of star playmaker Jayden Campbell, who is closing in on his first game of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury. His return creates an interesting dilemma for coach Josh Hannay regarding the team's backline composition.
As we head into Round 3, the strategic decisions and player movements will be crucial. With the new interchange rules, teams have more flexibility, but also more choices to make. It will be fascinating to see how coaches utilize their larger benches and which players step up to make an impact. Stay tuned for an action-packed weekend of NRL!
