Round 3 of the NRL season will be crucial for teams looking to continue early-season momentum of in the case of four clubs, getting a much-needed win.

South Sydney, Manly, the Wests Tigers and Warriors are winless after the first two rounds with the latter two squaring off at Campbelltown on Friday so at least one of these sides will be 0-3 after this weekend.

Newcastle have ruled fullback Kalyn Ponga out of Saturday’s clash with reigning NRL premiers Penrith.

Ponga missed last week’s victory over the Wests Tigers with a knee complaint and won’t be risked when the Knights meet the Panthers in Bathurst in a third-round clash of unbeaten teams.

Panthers forward Liam Martin (leg) suffered a training mishap on Thurdsay and is out with Nathan Cleary and James Fisher-Harris also scratched due to their shoulder issues.

Dragons prop George Burgess had been named on the reserves bench for the clash with Cronulla on Thursday night despite being arrested on a sexual assault charge on Monday but was then dropped from the 24-man squad altogether.

The NRL issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon to say it was “continuing to consider all available information and will offer the player or his representatives the opportunity to speak with the NRL. Once the NRL has considered all available information, a decision will be made in the coming days concerning the application of the game’s no-fault stand down policy.”

Meanwhile, Tigers five-eighth Jackson Hastings has been found guilty of a dangerous throw charge and was handed a three-game suspension at the judiciary on Tuesday night. Bench halfback Jock Madden shapes as the likely option to replace him in the starting side or Tyrone Peachey, who was named on the interchange.

Cronulla second-rower Teig Wilton, who scored the match-winning try against Parramatta last Saturday, was suspended for his team’s local derby duel with the Dragons in Wollongong on Thurday night with Siosifa Talakai replacing him in the starting side.

Brandon Smith may make an early return from a fractured hand at Melbourne, who have lost Harry Grant for a week to isolation after he contracted COVID-19. His back-up, Tyran Wishart, has been deemed a close contact and will also be forced to sit out a week. Tyson Smoothy has been drafted in from feeder club Sunshine Coast Falcons and is a strong chance of playing his first NRL match of the year.

Round 3 teams

Thursday

Dragons v Sharks at WIN Stadium, 8.05pm AEDT

Dragons: Andrew McCullough is out with ane elbow injury with Moses Mbye elevated to the starting hooker role.

English prop George Burgess has been removed from the squad after being arrested on a sexual assault charge on Monday. He was initially named in the extended reserves.

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Cody Ramsey 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tariq Sims 14. Jack de Belin 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jackson Ford 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Tautau Moga 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Daniel Alvaro 21. Mathew Feagai 22. Jaiyden Hunt 23. Michael Molo TBA

Sharks: Teig Wilton’s suspension for dangerous contact means Siosifa Talakai will start in the second row with Braydon Trindall named on the interchange after serving a two-game high tackle ban. Ronaldo Mulitalo is out after a head knock in the win over Parramatta, replaced on the wing by Matt Ikuvalu.

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Connor Tracey 5. Matt Ikuvalu 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Dale Finucane 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Braydon Trindall 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Luke Metcalf 19. Royce Hunt 20. Jack Williams 21. Lachlan Miller 22. Franklin Pele 23. Jenson Taumoepeau 24. Thomas Hazelton

The NRL and NRLW squads for this week have been named ???? #redv #NRLW

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) March 22, 2022

Friday

Tigers v Warriors at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 6pm AEDT

Tigers: Luke Garner has been recalled to the starting side in the second row with Kelma Tuilagi out. Jacob Liddle is over his knee injury and has regained the hooker’s spot with Jake Simpkin going back to the interchange.

Jackson Hastings has been suspended for three games for a dangerous throw with Jock Madden and Tyrone Peachey the main options to replace him at five-eighth.

1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ken Maumalo TBA 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Alex Twal 16. Zane Musgrove 17. Jake Simpkin 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Jock Madden 20. Alex Seyfarth 21. Starford To’a 22. Tukimihia Simpkins 23. Austin Dias 24. Ruatapu Ngatikaura

Warriors: Ash Taylor is out with a hip problem, meaning Nathan Brown will use his third halves combination in as many matches with Kodi Nikorima recalled to play alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita.

1. Reec Walsh 2. Adam Pompey 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Rocco Berry 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Addin Fonua-Blake (c) 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh Curran. Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Aaron Pene 17. Bayley Sironen 18. Jack Murchie 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila 21. Taniela Otukolo 22. Pride Petterson-Robati 23. Valingi Kepu 24. Junior Ratuva 25. Edward Kosi

Rabbitohs v Roosters at Accor Stadium, 8.05pm AEDT

Rabbitohs: Taane Milne will start at centre after switching from the wing with Jaxson Paulo during last week’s loss to Melbourne.

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Knight 18. Josh Mansour 19. Michael Chee Kam 20. Richard Kennar 21. Davvy Moale 22. Dean Hawkins 23. Peter Mamouzelos 24. Isaiah Tass

Roosters: Second-rower Sitili Topouniua failed his HIA against Manly but has been named to play while Joey Manu (knee) should also be right for Friday night. Angus Crichton has been named on the bench with Nat Butcher in the starting side.

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Billy Smith 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Fletcher Baker 16. Angus Crichton 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 18. Lachlan Lam 19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Naufahu Whyte 22. Adam Keighran 23. Renouf Atoni 24. Kevin Naiqama

Saturday

Panthers v Knights at Carrington Park, Bathurst, 3pm AEDT

Panthers: Nathan Cleary, James Fisher-Harris and Liam Martin are out. Martin suffered a leg injury at training on Thursday while Cleary and JFH have been given a week off to ensure their shoulder problems are reight.

With NSW winger Brian To’o sidelined due to a knee injury, Taylan May will play just the second match of his NRL career.

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Matthew Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau TBA 11. Viliame Kikau TBA 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. J’maine Hopgood 19. Chris Smith 20. Robert Jennings 21. Lindsay Smith 22. Soni Luke 23. Kurt Falls

Knights: Captain Kalyn Ponga will not return from a minor knee problem but Blues prop Daniel Saifiti (knee) will make his comeback, forcing Mitch Barnett to the second row with Lachlan Fitzgibbon (knee) injured.

19. Tex Hoy 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Chris Randall 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jirah Momoisea 16. Leo Thompson 17. Mathew Croker 18. Simi Sasagi 20. Edrick Lee 21. Sauaso Sue 22. Dylan Lucas 23. Brayden Musgrove 24. Jaron Purcell

Harry Grant ruled out of Round 3 clash.

Full statement ????

— Melbourne Storm (@storm) March 22, 2022

Storm v Eels at AAMI Park, 5.30pm AEDT

Storm: Kiwi international Brandon Smith is close to making a return from a broken hand after being named among the reserves, otherwise Melbourne have kept the same squad from last week’s narrow win over Souths.

Harry Grant was named in the squad but soon after it was announced, the Storm issued a statement to say he had tested positive to COVID-19 and would isolate until nexts week. Melbourne will be allowed to name a replacement in their 24-man squad later in the week. His back-up, Tyran Wishart, will also be forced to sit out a week as he has been deemed a close contact.

If Smith is not fit to make an early return, Tyson Smoothy, Jayden Nikorima or Jonah Pezet could be brought into the team off the reserves at hooker with Chris Lewis or Nick Meaney elevated to the interchange as the utility option.

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich TBA 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Trent Loiero 17. Tepai Moeroa 18. Chris Lewis 19. Nick Meaney 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Jayden Nikorima 22. William Warbrick 23. Brandon Smith 24. Sualauvi Faalogo

Eels: Experienced forward Nathan Brown is back in the starting side at lock with Oregon Kaufusi reverting to the interchange following the two-point loss to Cronulla.

1. Clint Gutherson 2. Waqa Blake 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Nathan Brown 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Wiremu Greig 16. Ray Stone 17. Oregon Kaufusi 18. Bryce Cartwright 19. Brendan Hands 20. Ky Rodwell 21. Hayze Perham 22. Solomone Naiduki 23. Luca Moretti 24. Samuel Loizou

Isaako a Titan for 2022 ???? https://t.co/4EuGSpsQYs

— Gold Coast Titans (@GCTitans) March 22, 2022

Raiders v Titans at GIO Stadium, 7.35pm AEDT

Raiders: Rookie halfback Brad Schneider is over his COVID bout with Matt Frawley going back to the interchange as a back-up hooker now that Josh Hodgson’s season is over. Nick Cotric and Jordan Rapana return on the wings with James Schiller and Seb Kris out of the outside backs.

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matt Timoko 4. Semi Valemei 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Brad Schneider 8. Josh Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joe Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Elliott Whitehead (c). Interchange: 14. Matt Frawley 15. Emre Guler 16. Adam Elliott 17. Corey Horsburgh 18. Xavier Savage 19. Ryan Sutton 20. Adrian Trevilyan 21. Sebastian Kris 22. Sam Williams 23. Trey Mooney 24. Harry Rushton

Titans: Mid-week recruit Jamayne Isaako has been named on the reserves list but is unlikely to force his way into the unchanged game-day 17 after last week’s win over the Warriors.

1. Jayden Campbell 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Greg Marzhew 6. AJ Brimson 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Will Smith 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Kevin Proctor 18. Herman Ese’ese 19. Esan Marsters 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Sam McIntyre 22. Jamayne Isaako 23. Paul Turner 24. Sosefo Fifita

Sunday

Broncos v Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, 3.05pm (4.05pm AEDT)

Broncos: Kevin Walters has kept the faith with Albert Kelly at five-eighth after an encouraging first outing as Adam Reynolds’ halves partner in the win over Canterbury and has named the same 17 as they look to extend their unbeaten streak to three games.

1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Albert Kelly 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ryan James 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. TC Robati 17. Billy Walters 18. David Mead 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Jordan Pereira 22. Cory Paix 23. Brenko Lee 24. Corey Jensen

Cowboys: Reuben Cotter is on the interchange as a utility forward option, replacing Mitchell Dunn, whose season ended when he tore his ACL in the win over Canberra.

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Griffin Neame 18. Emry Pere 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon 23. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 24. Daejarn Asi

Sea Eagles v Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park, 6.15pm AEDT

Sea Eagles: Veteran bench utility Dylan Walker needs to pass the concussion protocols to play but Manly have otherwise retained the same squad which went down to the Roosters at the SCG.

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Sean Keppie 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Andrew Davey 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Morgan Boyle 20. Tolutau Koula 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Alec Tuitavake 23. Christian Tuipulotu 24. James Roumanos

Bulldogs: Corey Waddell was a late inclusion at prop in the loss to Brisbane but he has gone back to the bench with Luke Thompson named in the run-on side.

1. Matt Dufty 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Braidon Burns 4. Brent Naden 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Jake Averillo 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jack Hetherington 12. Tevita Pangai jnr 13. Josh Jackson. Interchange: 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Corey Waddell 16. Max King 17. Ava Seumanufagai 19. Chris Patolo 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Joe Stimson 22. Kyle Flanagan 23. Reece Hoffman 24. Josh Cook 25. Aaron Schoupp