South Sydney have reportedly dropped halfback Lachlan Ilias for their crunch clash with the Roosters on Friday night.
The Daily Telegraph reported Ilias is set to make way in the halves with Dean Hawkins set to come into the No.7 jersey while Jack Wighton returns from suspension in the centres.
Read on for the Late Mail for Round 3.
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Hughes vs Luai: Ref contact compared | 00:40
THURSDAY MARCH 21
Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Daine Laurie
Team Tips: James Fisher-Harris left the game in the 25th minute against the Eels and didn’t return. Scans will confirm the damage on Monday but Ivan Cleary is resigned to losing his star prop to the casualty ward. Lindsay Smith is expected to join the starting pack while Preston Riki, Jordan Grant and Ativalu Lisati are all in the running for his bench spot.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau
Team Tips: Adam Reynolds re-injured his troubled right knee against the Rabbitohs, with scans confirming a low-grade MCL strain that coach Kevin Walters confirmed will keep him sidelined for at least a week. Jock Madden is expected to take Reynolds’ spot in the halves. Payne Haas (knee) is also under an injury cloud and Walters said if scratched he’ll be replaced by prop Xavier Willison.
‘Wasn’t good enough for Dragons jersey’ | 00:31
FRIDAY MARCH 22
Warriors vs Canberra Raiders at Apollo Projects Stadium, 6.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 14. Freddy Lussick 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker 23. Chanel Harris-Tavita 20. Jazz Tevaga
Team Tips: Wayde Egan (elbow) is expected to return which will see Freddy Lussick revert back to the bench and Chanel Harris-Tavita fall off the pine. Andrew Webster said Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (hamstring) is still two weeks away.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Pasami Saulo 18th man: 18. Nick Cotric
Team Tips: Seb Kris copped a head knock in his first game of the season and will likely sit out a week after failing his HIA. That could see Nick Cotric, who was dropped last week, return to the side. Jordan Rapana also copped a head knock against the Tigers but is expected to play this week. The Raiders are flying and still have Elliott Whitehead (calf) and Corey Horsburgh (suspended) to return in Round 4.
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium, 8.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 17. Terrell May9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 14. Sandon Smith 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 18th man: 19. Fetalaiga Pauga
Team Tips: Luke Keary copped a head knock against the Sea Eagles and with his concussion history it could see him rested this week. Billy Smith (hamstring) returns which will likely see Joey Manu shift to the halves to replace Keary. Another option would be Sandon Smith getting promoted to the starting side which dould open the door for Angus Crichton or Connor Watson to join the bench after both enjoyed impressive NSW Cup games last weekend.
Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Richard Kennar 19. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 16. Shaquai Mitchell 13. Cameron Murray 12. Tallis Duncan 14. Siliva Havili 15. Davvy Moale 17. Thomas Burgess
Team Tips: Halfback Lachlan Illias has been axed, according to The Daily Telegraph, following the Rabbitohs’ disastrous start to the season, with Jason Demetriou going with Dean Hawkins in the halves. Star recruit Jack Wighton returns from suspension and could spend time in the halves, despite the club being adamant they signed him as a centre.
Hughes’ charge is ‘absolute stupidity!’ | 02:08
SATURDAY MARCH 23
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans at Belmore Sports Ground, 3.00pm AEDT
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 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. Kurtis Morrin
Team Tips: The Bulldogs improved in Round 2 but they still sit last with a 0-2 record. Winger Josh Addo-Carr (shoulder) is expected to return this week. Poasa Faamausilli was knocked out in first tackle of the game against the Sharks and is expected to miss a week, which could see Liam Knight join the 17 after a strong game in NSW Cup on the weekend.
Round 1 Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 21. Tom Weaver 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 15. Isaac Liu 13. Keenan Palasia 14. Sam Verrills 16. Erin Clark 17. Jaimin Jolliffe
Team Tips: The Titans had a shocker in Round 1, losing to the Dragons after Kieran Foran (hamstring) was ruled out late but the veteran No. 6 should return this week in a straight swap for Tom Weaver. Star duo Jayden Campbell (knee) and David Fifita (pectorial) are still another week away.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Last week’s Dragons 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 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 11. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 10. Blake Lawrie 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 17. Luciano Leilua
Team Tips: Francis Molo has been hit with a one-game ban which will see Ben Murdoch-Masila or Viliami Fifita return to the side. They could both return as Shane Flanagan flagged changes after his side was flogged 38-0 by the Dolphins on Sunday. Hame Sele (hamstring) was a late scratching on the weekend and could return against the Cowboys.
Last week’s Cowboys 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. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Team Tips: Heilum Luki is in doubt with an ankle injury in the only likely forced change to Todd Payten’s side, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki a chance to start and Jack Gosiewski and Thomas Mikaele vying for a bench spot.
Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval, 7.35pm AEDT
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Starford To’a 4. Solomona Faataape 5. Junior Tupou 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Alex Seyfarth 14. Aidan Sezer 15. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Twal 17. Samuela Fainu 18th man: 18. Asu Kepaoa
Team Tips: Aidan Sezer is a chance to start at halfback after Jayden Sullivan struggled against the Raiders. The Tigers have a centre crisis with The Daily Telegraph reporting Starford To’a requiring ankle surgery that will keep him out for two months. Other centre options Justin Olam (knee) and Brent Naden (shoulder) are not due back until Round 4.
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Dale Finucane 15. Jack Williams 17. Thomas Hazelton 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Team Tips: Briton Nikora has accepted a two match ban Grade 2 careless high tackle on Bulldogs counterpart Viliame Kikau. In a timely boost Braden Hamlin-Uele is scheduled to return from a knee injury with Toby Rudolf likely to switch to the back row. Royce Hunt is also due back form illness with Tuku Hau Tapuha or Jack Williams likely to make way.
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Flanagan threatens changes after loss | 03:31
SUNDAY MARCH 24
Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles at CommBank Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 16. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 10. Junior Paulo 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Team Tips: Bailey Simonsson is set to miss Round 3 after failing a HIA against Penrith, with Maika Sivo not due back from suspension until Round 4. Haze Dunster looms as the most likely replacement. Kelma Tuilagi is in doubt with a shoulder injury with Ofahiki Ogden, Wiremu Greig and Makahesi Makatoa vying for a bench spot after being in the reserves last week. Junior Paulo will be named to start despite swapping with Joe Ofahengaue prior to kick-off.
Last week’s Sea Eagles 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. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18th man: 18. Jakob Arthur
Team Tips: Manly have a wing crisis with an ankle injury to Tommy Talau set to see him join Jason Saab on the sidelines. Talau was sent for an MRI for a potential break or dislocation. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega could come onto the flank in a straight swap or Anthony Seibold could opt to shift Reuben Garrick to the wing and bring in the reliable Brad Parker at centre.
Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium, 6.15pm AEDT
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Jed Cartwright
Team Tips: Hooker Jayden Brailey is scheduled to return from a hamstring injury with Phoenix Crossland likely to switch to the bench utility role. Jack Cogger is a chance to start in the halves after Tyson Gamble had a poor game for the 0-2 Knights against the Cowboys. Return dates for Jack Hetherington (ankle) and Enari Tuala (quad) are undetermined at this stage.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Chris Lewis 17. Alec MacDonald
Team Tips: Cameron Munster will bid for a return from a groin injury, but with the side winning Craig Bellamy won’t risk him until he is right. Jonah Pezet has been doing a strong job in his place, but may need to switch to halfback with Jahrome Hughes set to be suspended for making contact with a referee, which could expedite Munster’s return. Tyran Wishart is another option at halfback if Munster does not return. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is due back from a hamstring injury in a major boost with Joe Chan potentially dropping to the bench and Chris Lewis dropping off the pine.
Bye: Dolphins
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