Get ready for an exciting weekend of NRL action as we delve into the team lists and updates for Round 3 of the 2026 Telstra Premiership. With new rules allowing six interchange players but only four on the field, teams are strategizing to make the most of their bench options. Let's dive into the key insights and intriguing storylines ahead of this weekend's matches.
Raiders vs Bulldogs
The Raiders welcome back representative prop Josh Papalii, who returns from a concussion to start in the front row. This move sees Morgan Smithies shift to the interchange bench, with Matt Timoko dropping to the 19th player. For the Bulldogs, Enari Tuala makes his first appearance of the year, slotting into the starting side at centre. Bronson Xerri is omitted, and off-season recruit Sean O'Sullivan takes his place on the extended bench.
Roosters vs Panthers
Roosters fans will be excited to see off-season recruit Reece Robson make his early return from a thumb injury. Robson's inclusion pushes Benaiah Ioelu to the extended bench. The Panthers welcome back Liam Martin, who overcomes a calf complaint to start at second row. 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. Loiero takes Jack Hetherington's spot 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 moving to centre and Gehamat Shibasaki dropping to the interchange. Skipper Adam Reynolds is named to play despite a rib injury, but Jack Gosiewski won't take his place due to HIA protocols.
Knights vs Warriors
The Knights have some key changes, with Fletcher Sharpe returning from a knee injury to take over at five-eighth from Dylan Brown, who is out for a month. Sandon Smith moves to halfback, and Fletcher Hunt takes over as fullback due to skipper Kalyn Ponga's 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. Taine Tuaupiki is the new fullback, Luke Hanson makes his NRL debut at five-eighth, and Marata Niukore joins the bench after recovering from a calf 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 nears a return from an off-season shoulder injury. Wilton's last game was the preliminary final against the Storm in September. The Dolphins maintain some early-season stability with the same starting side, but there's one change on the six-man interchange, with Sebastian Su'a replacing Brian Pouniu.
Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers
The Rabbitohs welcome back Jamie Humphreys from suspension, who takes over the No.7 jersey, with Jayden Sullivan moving to the bench. Euan Aitken also shifts to the bench, 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 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, with prop J'maine Hopgood returning from suspension. This sees Jack Williams slide to lock and Jack de Belin move to the six-man bench for the clash against his former club. The Dragons receive a triple boost with hooker Jacob Liddle returning from a hamstring injury, and halves Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson good to go despite ankle injuries. Damien Cook, who left the field for a HIA last week, 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 thrilled to have star playmaker Jayden Campbell closing in on his first game of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury. Campbell's return creates an interesting dilemma for coach Josh Hannay regarding the team's backline composition.
As we head into Round 3, these team lists and updates provide an intriguing glimpse into the strategic decisions and player movements shaping up for an action-packed weekend of NRL. Personally, I think the new interchange rules will add an extra layer of tactical depth, and I'm excited to see how teams utilize their bench players to gain an advantage. From my perspective, the key to success lies in managing player fatigue and making timely substitutions to maintain momentum and energy throughout the game. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for unexpected heroics from players coming off the bench, adding an element of surprise and excitement to each match. Get ready for an intense and unpredictable weekend of rugby league!
