The Roosters and Panthers will face off in a Thursday night blockbuster to start Round 4 this week with the home side set to be without one of their key enforcers, while the Panthers will be without their talisman.
Jason Demetriou's South Sydney outfit suffered a shocking loss to the Roosters last week and all eyes will now be on them after Lachlan Ilias was named in the reserves once again.
The Titans will be desperate for the return of a number of their sidelined stars as they begin to manage the loss of their influential skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, while Mitch Moses is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
Elsewhere, Cronulla face a tough task up front with four forwards sidelined, while the Broncos are dealing with an injury crisis of their own.
MORE: NRL Casualty Ward - All the latest news | Dally M Medal votes for Round 3
NRL ROUND 4 SCORES, RESULTS
Sydney Roosters 16-22 Penrith Panthers
Thursday, March 28 at Allianz Stadium (8.00pm AEDT)
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Joseph Suaalii
4. Joey Manu
5. Dom Young
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Brandon Smith
10. Terrell May
11. Nat Butcher
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Connor Watson
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Egan Butcher
17. Angus Crichton
18. Michael Jennings
Roosters team news:
Luke Keary has return at five-eighth with Sandon Smith, who played in the No.6 jersey last week, dropping out of the side.
Keary will start alongside Sam Walker after the club successfully downgraded his category one concussion.
Lindsay Collins picked up a hamstring injury during his side's big win over the Bunnies last week though and has been ruled out.
Terrell May has been promoted off the pine, while Egan Butcher will make his first appearance of the season off the bench.
Angus Crichton and Connor Watson have both held onto their spots in the 17.
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Taylan May
5. Brian To'o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Brad Schneider
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Luke Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Daine Laurie
15. Matt Eisenhuth
16. Liam Henry
17. Mavrik Geyer
18. Soni Luke
Panthers team news:
The Panthers have been hit with a big blow with co-captain Nathan Cleary facing some time on the sidelines with a hamstring issue. Brad Schneider will replace him in the halves.
Scott Sorensen is expected to miss the next month with a knee injury. Luke Garner will start in the backrow with Mavrik Geyer an exciting addition for the bench as he will make his NRL debut.
James Fisher-Harris missed the grand final rematch and will be missing once again for this one as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-16 Canterbury Bulldogs
Friday, March 29 at Accor Stadium (4.05pm AEDT)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Isaiah Tass
5. Taane Milne
6. Cody Walker
7. Dean Hawkins
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Tom Burgess
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jacob Host
13. Cam Murray
14. Michael Chee Kam
15. Tallis Duncan
16. Shaq Mitchell
17. Davvy Moale
18. Siliva Havili
19. Lachlan Ilias
Rabbitohs team news:
Jason Demetriou faces more massive decisions on his lineup as the Bunnies enter into Round 4 still winless.
Lachlan Ilias was dropped last week for Dean Hawkins at halfback, and this remains the case with Ilias listed in the reserves.
Sean Keppie was dropped to the bench in favour of Davvy Moale and his demotion continues this week with the former Manly man named in the reserves.
Tom Burgess will start up front this week with Moale reverting to his bench role.
Damien Cook started off the pine against the Roosters with Siliva Havili starting but Cook has now been reinstated while Havilili moves to 18th man.
Michael Chee Kam is a new face on the bench, while Shaq Mitchell also returns to the side.
Ahead of the game, the club was given a major scare with captain Cam Murray hurt in training while Jack Wighton was kept on ice with a knee injury. The duo are expected to play despite the issues.
Canterbury confirmed 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. Liam Knight
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sam Hughes
16. Josh Curran
17. Kurtis Morrin
22. Kitione Kautoga
23. Josh Addo-Carr
Bulldogs team news:
Cameron Ciraldo has named an unchanged 17 after last week's crushing win over the Titans.
Josh Addo-Carr has been listed in the extended squad as he works his way back from injury which means Connor Tracey keeps his place on the wing for now.
Brisbane Broncos 38-12 North Queensland Cowboys
Friday, March 29 at Suncorp Stadium (8.00pm AEDT)
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Tristan Sailor
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. Fletcher Baker
11. Jaiyden Hunt
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Xavier Willison
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Corey Oates
18. Benjamin Te Kura
19. Jock Madden
Broncos team news:
Reece Walsh is sidelined with a facial fracture which will see Tristan Sailor take over at fullback.
Adam Reynolds missed last week's loss against the Panthers but back on deck with Jock Madden dropping out of the side.
Brendan Piakura has picked up an ankle injury in training with Jaiyden Hunt replacing him in the backrow.
Corey Oates has won a spot on the bench as Kevin Walters attempts to provide some versatility off the pine. Martin Taupau drops to the reserves as a result of the move.
North Queensland confirmed 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. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Jake Granville
15. Griffin Neame
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Jack Gosiewski
18. Tom Chester
19. Thomas Mikaele
20. Semi Valemei
21. Marly Bitungane
22. Jake Clifford
Cowboys team news:
In the only change to the only unbeaten side remaining in the comp, Tom Chester is replaced in the centres by the returning Zac Laybutt.
Reuben Cotter was seen nursing an ankle complaint and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki suffered a head knock last week but both are expected to start in the derby.
St George Illawarra Dragons 20-12 Manly Sea Eagles
Saturday, March 30 at WIN Stadium (5.30pm AEDT)
St George Illawarra confirmed 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
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su'A
17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
13. Tom Eisenhuth
14. Jesse Marschke
15. Jack de Belin
16. Hame Sele
19. Michael Molo
Dragons team news:
Shane Flanagan was expected to make a number of changes with a few forwards expected to return from injury and suspension and this has been the case.
Francis Molo has served his ban and will start at prop with Jack de Belin dropping back to the bench and Ben Murdoch-Masila out of the side completely.
Jacob Liddle was sidelined with a head knock last week but will return at dummy-half, with Jesse Marschke moving to the bench.
Raymond Faitala-Mariner started in the second row with Jaydn Su'A ruled out through injury but the latter has returned to the starting side.
Although Faitala-Mariner has since been returned to the starting side at lock with Tom Eisenhuth going to the bench.
Hame Sele has been sidelined through injury to start the year and will return to the fold this week. The prop has taken Viliami Fifita's spot on the bench.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
5. Jaxson Paulo
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
19. Tommy Talau
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
17. Nathan Brown
22. Toafofoa Sipley
16. Ethan Bullemor
Sea Eagles team news:
In a late change, Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega has been replaced on the wing by Tommy Talua.
Tof Sipley is back from suspension and has been promoted to the bench after initially being named in the reserves. Ethan Bullemor drops to the reserves.
Josh Aloiai was sent to the sin-bin for striking Reagan Campbell-Gillard during the loss, but avoided a charge so will start at prop.
Josh Schuster remains out of the picture as he continues to work his way back to fitness.
Gold Coast Titans 14-30 Dolphins
Saturday, March 30 at Cbus Super Stadium (7.35pm AEDT)
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. Jayden Campbell
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. AJ Brimson
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Chris Randall
15. Isaac Liu
11. Klese Haas
12. Beau Fermor
13. Jaimin Jolliffe
14. Sam Verrills
16. Erin Clark
17. Joe Stimson
18. David Fifita
20. Harley Smith-Shields
Titans team news:
Des Hasler will welcome back two stars to his struggling side who will have to cope without their skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who ruptured his ACL last week, for the rest of the year.
Jayden Campbell has returned at fullback which pushes Keano Kini out of the side, while David Fifita will return via the bench after initially being named as 18th man.
Meanwhile, Keenan Palasia was initially named to replace Tino upfront, although he has since been replaced by Isaac Liu.
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Euan Aitken
13. Max Plath
14. Josh Kerr
15. Kurt Donoghoe
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Ray Stone
18. Kenny Bromwich
Dolphins team news:
Kodi Nikorima suffered a head knock in Round 2 but is expected to be fine for this week's game as the Dolphins return fresh off the bye.
Ray Stone is also back on deck with Jarrod Wallace dropping out of the squad which put the Dragons to the sword.
Veteran Kenny Bromwich is listed as 18th man.
New Zealand Warriors 20-12 Newcastle Knights
Sunday, March 31 at Go Media Stadium (4.05pm AEDT)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Jackson Ford
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Tohu Harris
14. Freddy Lussick
15. Marata Niukore
16. Bunty Afoa
20. Jazz Tevaga
21. Chanel Harris-Tavita
23. Ali Leiataua
Warriors team news:
With Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Taine Tuaupiki sidelined, Andrew Webster turns to his third-choice fullback, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
RTS' shift to the No.1 jersey allows Adam Pompey to be named in the centres for his first appearance of the year.
Wayde Egan was a late withdrawal once again in Round 3 but has been named at hooker with Freddy Lussick dropping to the bench and Chanel Harris-Tavita out of the side.
Dylan Walker was initially named to return from injury but has since dropped off the bench with Jazz Tevaga given a place on the pine.
He will be joined by Marata Niukore who has returned from a foot injury.
He will make his first appearance off the season via the bench with Tom Ale dropping to 18th man.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Tom Jenkins
4. Bradman Best
18. Dylan Lucas
5. Enari Tuala
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Daniel Saifiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Adam Elliott
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Mat Croker
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Brodie Jones
19. Jed Cartwright
21. Will Pryce
Knights team news:
Dane Gagai has been ruled out of the clash with Dylan Lucas his replacement in the centres.
Jack Cogger was named at halfback last week ahead of Jackson Hastings and has kept his spot after Newcastle recorded their first win of the season against Melbourne.
Leo Thompson has been hit with a one-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Ryan Papenhuyzen with Daniel Saifiti to start in his absence alongside his twin brother, Jacob.
Adam Elliott was troubled by an ankle complaint against the Storm but is expected to be fine.
Jack Hetherington missed last week through injury but has returned via the interchange, where he will be joined by Brodie Jones.
Cronulla Sharks 36-22 Canberra Raiders
Sunday, March 31 at PointsBet Stadium (6.15pm AEDT)
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Thomas Hazelton
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Siosifa Talakai
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cam McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Jack Williams
16. Billy Burns
17. Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha
18. Jayden Berrell
19. Blake Hosking
Sharks team news:
After a horror loss against the Tigers, Craig Fitzgibbon is also faced with a growing injury crisis in his forwards.
Toby Rudolf, Dale Finucane and Royce Hunt are all out this week while Briton Nikora is still suspended.
To add to the lack of options upfront, Braden Hamlin-Uele remains sidelined.
Sifa Talakai has been named in the backrow, with Kayal Iro to start in the centres.
Tom Hazelton has been promoted off the bench to start.
Imposing prop Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha will return to the bench, while Daniel Atkinson is the new face in jersey No.14.
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Jordan Rapana
2. James Schiller
3. Matt Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Danny Levi
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
16. Zac Hosking
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Tom Starling
15. Ata Mariota
17. Pasami Saulo
19. Corey Horsburgh
20. Kaeo Weekes
22. Nick Cotric
Raiders team news:
Seb Kris returns from a head knock while James Schiller has been named on the wing with Albert Hopoate out of the squad completely and Nick Cotric dropping to the reserves.
Corey Horsburgh has served his suspension and was only included in the reserves by Ricky Stuart initially.
However, a calf injury to Elliott Whitehead has seen the skipper drop out, Zac Hosking start in the backrow and Horsburgh added to the bench.
Parramatta Eels 16-17 Wests Tigers
Monday, April 1 at CommBank Stadium (4.00pm AEDT)
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Morgan Harper
5. Sean Russell
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Dylan Brown
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Joey Lussick
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
17. Kelma Tuilagi
15. Ryan Matterson
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Luca Moretti
16. Joe Ofahengaue
20. Brendan Hands
22. Bailey Simonsson
Eels team news:
Maika Sivo will return from suspension and replace Morgan Harper on the wing with the former Manly man named in the centres.
Last week's debutant Blaize Talagi has kept his spot in the side though, with the young gun named at five-eighth following Mitch Moses' injury. Dylan Brown will take over at halfback.
Bryce Cartwright has dropped out after picking up a rib injury last week, with Kelma Tuilagi promoted to the starting side and Brendan Hands added to the bench.
In a late change, Ryan Matterson will start at lock with J'maine Hopgood dropping to the bench,
Wests confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Justin Olam
5. Junior Tupou
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole
14. Bud Sullivan
15. Alex Seyfarth
16. Asu Kepaoa
17. Samuela Fainu
18. Justin Matamua
Tigers team news:
After such an impressive victory against the Sharks, Benji Marshall has made just one change with Alex Twal out and Asu Kepaoa added to the bench.