NRL Round 3 Late Mail: Robson, Barnett, Campbell & More Injury Updates

The NRL’s Round 3 shapes up as a pivotal weekend with several key players returning from injury and a number of teams looking to solidify their position early in the season. From milestone games to crucial comebacks, the league is delivering on its promise of intense competition.

Raiders Celebrate Stuart’s Milestone, Bulldogs Seek Consistency

Thursday night’s clash between the Canberra Raiders and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at GIO Stadium marks a significant occasion for Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, who will be steering his team in his 300th game as head coach. The Raiders will be looking to defend their home turf, bolstered by the expected return of veteran prop Josh Papalii, who has progressed through concussion protocols. Morgan Smithies will reach off the interchange as a result. A minor bench adjustment sees Jed Stuart replacing Matt Timoko.

The Bulldogs, fresh off a golden point victory in Las Vegas, will see Enari Tuala build his season debut in the centres, replacing Bronson Xerri. Canterbury has historically struggled in Canberra, but captain Stephen Crichton’s strong record against the Raiders – 10 tries in eight games – offers a glimmer of hope. The Bulldogs are settled otherwise, with no changes in their 24-hour team update.

Roosters Welcome Robson, Panthers Gain Martin

Friday night’s marquee matchup between the Sydney Roosters and the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium will be highlighted by the highly anticipated debut of Roosters recruit Reece Robson. The representative hooker has made a remarkably swift recovery from a pre-season thumb injury and is set to accept his place in the squad. Benaiah Ioelu will make way for Robson on the bench. The game falls within the league’s Multicultural Round celebrations.

The Panthers will also welcome back a key player in Liam Martin, who has overcome a calf complaint. His return will see Luke Garner shift to the bench. Though, the Panthers will be without utility Jack Cogger, who suffered a head knock last week, with Freddy Lussick taking his place on the interchange.

Storm and Broncos Clash in Grand Final Rematch

Also on Friday, AAMI Park will host a grand final rematch between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos. The Storm are hoping to see Alec MacDonald return from a concussion, adding further strength to their lineup. Trent Loiero, having served a suspension from last year’s grand final, is also in contention.

The Broncos, however, face a setback with captain Adam Reynolds likely to miss the game due to rib cartilage damage. Ben Hunt will move to halfback to cover the loss. Cook Islands star Brendan Piakura is also in the mix for his first appearance of the year after recovering from a knee injury. The Broncos’ backline will see changes with Grant Anderson debuting on the wing, Deine Mariner shifting to centre, and Gehamat Shibasaki joining the interchange.

Warriors’ Barnett Eyes Return, Knights Seek Stability

Saturday’s game between the Newcastle Knights and the New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium could see Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett make his comeback from an ACL injury sustained last June. Barnett is in the extended squad alongside Jett Cleary. The Warriors will be without Kurt Capewell (calf), Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (both head knocks). Luke Hanson will make his NRL debut at five-eighth, Taine Tuaupiki will be the new fullback, and Marata Niukore returns from a calf injury to join the bench.

The Knights will be boosted by the return of Fletcher Sharpe from a knee injury, providing a timely lift following the losses of Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga. Fletcher Hunt will start at fullback, with Sharpe partnering Sandon Smith in the halves.

Sharks and Dolphins, Rabbitohs and Tigers, Eels and Dragons – Injury Updates

Elsewhere, the Sharks are hoping to see Teig Wilton make his season debut as he recovers from shoulder surgery, named in the extended squad for their match against the Dolphins. The Dolphins will retain Max Plath in the starting side after his successful return from an ACL injury, with Sebastian Su’a replacing Brian Pouniu on the interchange.

The Rabbitohs will see Jamie Humphreys make his first appearance of 2026, serving a suspension in the past fortnight. Tallis Duncan will start, with Euan Aitken shifting to the bench. The Wests Tigers will have Jeral Skelton start at centre after Taylan May was ruled out with a shoulder injury, with Patrick Herbert coming onto the bench for his first NRL match since 2022.

Finally, the Eels will welcome back J’maine Hopgood from suspension, prompting a reshuffle that sees Jack Williams shift to lock and Jack de Belin move to the bench. The Dragons will see Jacob Liddle return from a hamstring injury, forming a strong hooking partnership with Damien Cook. Both Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson have been cleared to play despite ankle injuries.

Titans Hope for Campbell Spark, Cowboys Welcome Cotter

The Titans are set to receive a significant boost with the return of playmaker Jayden Campbell from a hamstring injury. He’s been named on the bench and could potentially move into the starting side. The Cowboys will welcome back inspirational skipper Reuben Cotter after missing last week’s game due to family reasons, with Kai O’Donnell shifting to the bench.