NRL Round 3 Team Lists & Fantasy Updates: Injury, Selection & Buy/Sell Tips

NRL Round 3 Team News: Key Changes and Fantasy Implications

As Round 3 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership approaches, teams are finalizing their lineups, presenting both challenges and opportunities for fantasy coaches. Several key players are returning from injury, while others face time on the sidelines, prompting adjustments to team selections. This analysis breaks down the confirmed changes for the upcoming matches, focusing on the impact for fantasy players.

Raiders v Bulldogs, Thursday 8.00pm (AEDT) at GIO Stadium

The Canberra Raiders welcome back Josh Papalii after their loss to the Warriors, with Morgan Smithies moving to the bench. For fantasy players, Ethan Sanders is a potential concern. His lower-than-average score in Auckland, coupled with the tough Bulldogs defense, suggests he may not be a high-scoring option this week.

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs make one change from their Round 1 victory, with Enari Tuala taking the centre position previously held by Bronson Xerri. The return of Jacob Kiraz to the starting 17 is a positive sign for his fantasy owners.

Roosters v Panthers, Friday 6.00pm (AEDT) at Allianz Stadium

The Sydney Roosters receive a boost with Reece Robson returning at hooker after recovering from a thumb injury. Benaiah Ioelu is moved to the bench as a result. However, the Roosters are still without Billy Smith, who remains sidelined after a concussion sustained in an off-field incident.

Penrith Panthers regain Liam Martin, who slots straight into the starting lineup, pushing Luke Garner to the reserves. This is good news for fantasy coaches eyeing Isaiah Papali’i, who is in contention for the Mitre 10 Mighty Buy this round. Freddy Lussick replaces Jack Cogger at interchange after Cogger suffered a category 1 HIA last Saturday.

Storm v Broncos, Friday 8.00pm (AEDT) at AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm welcome back Trent Loiero and Alec MacDonald from suspension and injury, respectively, both to the bench. This provides stability and depth to the Storm lineup, while Ativatu Lisati and Joe Chan retain their starting positions, offering value for fantasy players.

The Brisbane Broncos notice Adam Reynolds cleared to play despite a rib injury scare. However, Jack Gosiewski is out after suffering a category 1 HIA, with Xavier Willison taking his place in the back row. Brendan Piakura joins the bench.

Knights v Warriors, Saturday 3.00pm (AEDT) at McDonald Jones Stadium

The Newcastle Knights face significant disruptions with Dylan Brown sidelined for 4 weeks. Captain Kalyn Ponga is also expected to be out for 6-8 weeks. Fletcher Sharpe returns at five-eighth, while Fletcher Hunt retains his spot at fullback, presenting a potential cheap option for fantasy teams.

The Modern Zealand Warriors see Leka Halasima enter the starting lineup at 11, while Marata Niukore returns from injury via the bench. Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are out due to concussion protocols, with Taine Tuaupiki deputizing at fullback. Debutant Luke Hanson will also feature, though both he and Tuaupiki are considered avoids for fantasy purposes.

Sharks v Dolphins, Saturday 5.30pm (AEDT) at Ocean Protect Stadium

Cronulla Sharks maintain the same side that faced Penrith, expecting improved performances from Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall, and Jesse Ramien at home.

The Dolphins also field an unchanged lineup, with Max Plath named at hooker. Potential late changes are possible with Jayden Campbell named in the squad, though his impact remains to be seen.

Rabbitohs v West Tigers, Saturday 7.35pm (AEDT) at Polytec Stadium

South Sydney Rabbitohs welcome back Jamie Humphreys at halfback, moving Jayden Sullivan to the bench. This change results in Euan Aitken being dropped, with Tallis Duncan entering the starting lineup and becoming a watchlist option for fantasy coaches.

The Wests Tigers are without Taylan May due to a shoulder injury, expected to be out for five weeks. Jeral Skelton is named at centre, but there’s a possibility of either Sunia Turuva or Patrick Herbert taking that spot, with Skelton potentially shifting to the wing or bench. Adam Doueihi continues to be a strong fantasy performer at halfback.

Cowboys v Titans, Sunday 6.15pm (AEDT) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

North Queensland Cowboys name Tom Chester in the starting centre role, despite the return of Zac Laybutt from suspension. Reuben Cotter returns at lock, with Kai O’Donnell moving to the bench. Heilum Luki remains in at edge forward, offering value for fantasy players. Reed Mahoney owners should monitor his minutes, as Soni Luke took some playing time last week.

The Gold Coast Titans field an unchanged lineup, with Keano Kini retaining his fullback role. Jayden Campbell is named in the squad, hinting at a potential late change.

Fantasy coaches should stay tuned for further updates as team lists are finalized closer to kickoff. The Lone Scout encourages readers to submit questions to [email protected] for the weekly Q&A published on NRL.com.