NRL Round 3 Team Lists: Major Changes and Key Inclusions
Alright, footy fans, we’re heading into Round 3 of the 2025 NRL season, and the team lists are in! Some big changes are shaking things up across the league, with injuries forcing tough calls, suspensions reshuffling squads, and coaches making bold selections. Let’s break it all down!
First up, the Bulldogs are dealing with a massive headache as they lose two of their key players. Coach Cameron Ciraldo has had to make some tough adjustments, with Bailey Hayward stepping in at five-eighth to replace the injured Matt Burton. Sitili Tupouniua slots into the back row in place of Viliame Kikau, who’s also sidelined. The Dogs are going to need to dig deep to get through the coming weeks.
Over at the Roosters, they’re riding high after a stunning win against the reigning premiers and are getting a boost with key players returning. Lindsay Collins, who missed last week due to illness, is back on the bench, while enforcer Spencer Leniu returns from suspension and Victor Radley is cleared from concussion protocols to start. But there’s still no sign of Nat Butcher in the squad.
The Cowboys have made some big moves as well. Young half Tom Duffy has been dropped after just two games, making way for the more experienced Jake Clifford to take control in the halves. Meanwhile, Jason Taumalolo is set to return after playing in reserve grade, adding some much-needed power to the Cowboys’ forward pack.
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As for the Melbourne Storm, they’ll be missing Will Warbrick due to concussion, with Grant Anderson stepping in on the wing. Meanwhile, Penrith is adjusting to life without Dylan Edwards, who is sidelined with a groin injury, meaning Daine Laurie will take over at fullback. Isaiah Papali’i also returns but only makes the bench for now.
The Brisbane Broncos have named an unchanged squad, though Kotoni Staggs is in the reserves as he pushes for an early comeback from injury. For the Warriors, no changes after their impressive win last week, while the Rabbitohs welcome back Jack Wighton from suspension, and Mikaele Ravalawa is named among the reserves.
The Titans are making some adjustments as well, with Tony Francis stepping in for the injured Alofiana Khan-Pereira. Meanwhile, the Knights have lost Kai Pearce-Paul to suspension and Leo Thompson to injury, forcing some reshuffling in their pack. Tyson Frizell moves to the edge, Adam Elliott starts at lock, and Brodie Jones gets his first start of the season.
And let’s talk about the Eels. Josh Addo-Carr is back from suspension but, surprisingly, hasn’t been named in the starting lineup. Instead, Dean Hawkins takes over in the halves, replacing Ronald Volkman.
The Sea Eagles have some big names under an injury cloud, with both Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans named despite failing to finish last week’s match. Siosiua Taukeiaho and Tolu Koula return to the lineup, which should help stabilize things.
Finally, the Raiders are making some adjustments too. Xavier Savage returns from suspension, taking over from Albert Hopoate on the wing, while Morgan Smithies comes into the starting side for the injured Zac Hosking.
Round 3 is shaping up to be a cracker! With teams making these big calls early in the season, it’ll be interesting to see how they play out on the field. Stay tuned, and get ready for some high-intensity footy action!
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