Get ready for an exciting Round 3 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership! With new rules allowing teams to carry a larger interchange bench, the strategic decisions and player rotations will be fascinating to watch.
Raiders vs Bulldogs
The Raiders welcome back representative prop Josh Papalii, who will start in the front row after recovering from concussion. Morgan Smithies moves to the interchange bench, and Matt Timoko drops to the 19th player. For the Bulldogs, Enari Tuala makes his first appearance of the year, starting at centre with Bronson Xerri omitted. This move brings off-season recruit Sean O'Sullivan into the extended bench as the 19th player.
Roosters vs Panthers
The Roosters will showcase their off-season recruit, Reece Robson, who returns early from a thumb injury. Robson's inclusion pushes Benaiah Ioelu to the extended bench. The Panthers welcome back Liam Martin, who missed the last game due to a calf complaint. This move sees Luke Garner shift to the bench, and Jack Cogger is omitted following a head knock.
Storm vs Broncos
Back-rower Trent Loiero returns to the Storm's lineup after serving a two-game ban received in the 2025 grand final. He replaces Jack Hetherington on the interchange bench. Lock Alec MacDonald is also part of the extended squad, looking to return from concussion. For the Broncos, Grant Anderson makes his Broncos debut on the wing, with Deine Mariner moving to centre and Gehamat Shibasaki dropping to the interchange bench. Skipper Adam Reynolds, despite a rib injury, is named to play, while Xavier Willison starts the game due to Jack Gosiewski's HIA protocols.
Knights vs Warriors
The Knights see the return of Fletcher Sharpe, who takes over at five-eighth after suffering a knee injury in Las Vegas. Sandon Smith moves to halfback, and Fletcher Hunt takes on the fullback role. Skipper Kalyn Ponga is out for 6-8 weeks with a hamstring injury, and 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 and concussion protocols. Taine Tuaupiki is the new fullback, and Luke Hanson makes his NRL debut at five-eighth. Rep forward Mitch Barnett is named in the extended squad, nearing a return from an ACL injury.
Sharks vs Dolphins
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon sticks with the same squad that faced the Panthers, with Teig Wilton listed among the reserves as he recovers from an off-season shoulder injury. The Dolphins maintain some early-season stability, naming the same starting side to travel to Cronulla. The only change is on the interchange, with Sebastian Su'a replacing Brian Pouniu.
Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers
The Rabbitohs welcome back Jamie Humphreys, who returns from suspension to take over the No.7 jersey. Jayden Sullivan moves to the bench, and Euan Aitken is replaced in the starting back row by Tallis Duncan. For the Wests Tigers, the loss of Taylan May sees Jeral Skelton start at centre after an impressive performance off the extended bench last week. Former Warrior and Titan Patrick Herbert is named in No.19, aiming for his first NRL appearance since 2022.
Eels vs Dragons
The Eels make just one change to the side that stunned the Broncos, with prop J'maine Hopgood returning from suspension. Jack Williams slides to lock, and Jack de Belin goes to the six-man bench for the clash against his former club. 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 the last 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 thrilled to have star playmaker Jayden Campbell closing in on his first game of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury. His return could create an interesting dilemma for coach Josh Hannay regarding the backline positions.
Get your predictions ready, and let's see how these teams fare in Round 3! Personally, I think the new interchange rules will add an exciting layer of strategy and player management to the game. It will be interesting to see how coaches utilize their larger benches and which teams adapt the best to these changes.
