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Harry Grant is expected to make his Wests Tigers debut in Saturday’s match against Cronulla at Bankwest Stadium after joining the club in a protracted player trade with Paul Momirovski before the competition shut down in March.

The former Melbourne Storm hooker has impressed teammates since training resumed three weeks ago and Tigers captain Benji Marshall said on Monday that he was looking forward to playing with him.

“He has got a great pass out in front, he does a lot of work on it, his front-on contact is pretty solid and as a hooker one of your strengths you need to have is the ability to count numbers and pick the right way to go. Nine times out of 10 he just nails that without a call,” Marshall said.

“I feel like he will add a lot to our team and he has obviously been in a great system where he knows how to play and he has been under a guy called Cameron Smith, who has probably rubbed a lot off on him. I feel he will bring that to our team.

“The combination between hooker and half is probably the most important, obviously getting the ball at the right time, whether you want it off the ground, whether he picks it up and takes a couple of steps to engage the markers.

“I feel like he is ticking all the boxes for me in terms of getting it at the right time and in the right place, which is important for a hooker.”​

Marshall keen to get fans back in stands

Broncos enforcer Matt Lodge came through Sunday's fitness test in good shape with a final call to be made by Tuesday on whether he returns from a knee injury to face Parramatta on Thursday.

Lodge has recovered well from what was at one point feared to be a season-ending ACL rupture to be in contention for a return to Brisbane's front row for the season's restart.

Coach Anthony Seibold may use Lodge from the bench in Thursday night's blockbuster, or hold fire and give him more minutes in next Thursday's clash with the Roosters.

Reed Mahoney's foot injury before the break was Parramatta's biggest concern, although the dummy-half said on Channel 9's Footy Show on Sunday he was certain to return.

Panthers forward Isaah Yeo on Monday gave young halfback Matt Burton a ringing endorsement as he prepares to fill in for the suspended Nathan Cleary. "He's an exciting talent and I think he will do a wonderful job for us in the first two rounds," he said.

Storm prop Tui Kamikamica has been struggling with a back injury but looks set to suit up for Saturday's showdown with Canberra. Melbourne assistant coach Jason Ryles on Monday said the Fijian prop had been placed in cotton wool to ensure he would be right for the team's restart to the Telstra Premiership season.

Souths star Cody Walker's two-game suspension for an off-field incident opens the door for Troy Dargan to partner skipper Adam Reynolds in the halves. Walker has been banned by the NRL Intergrity Unit over an incident at Casino in December in which he was filmed kicking a man in a street fight.

McCullough happy to be 'new kid on the block'

Brisbane veteran Andrew McCullough is in line to replace the injured Jayden Brailey as Knights hooker after getting a release from his 2020 contract, effective immediately, to sign with Newcastle. Having lost Brailey for the season due to an ACL injury, coach Adam O’Brien said the addition of McCullough to the Knights roster will go a long way to help fill the void given the length of the season.

NRL.com has analysed how each squad is shaping up heading into the proposed return date based on their teams for the first two rounds and the players who will now be available following the competition's break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Round 3 predicted teams 

Brisbane Broncos

  1. Jamayne Isaako
  2. Corey Oates
  3. Kotoni Staggs
  4. Darius Boyd
  5. Jesse Arthars
  6. Anthony Milford
  7. Brodie Croft
  8. Matt Lodge
  9. Jake Turpin
  10. Payne Haas
  11. Patrick Carrigan
  12. Alex Glenn
  13. Joe Ofahengaue
  14. Tesi Niu
  15. Thomas Flegler
  16. Jamil Hopoate
  17. Rhys Kennedy

Others: Thomas Dearden, Herbie Farnworth, Ethan Bullemor, Xavier Coates.

Broncos: They will be without Tevita Pangai jnr (suspension) for a further three weeks and David Fifita (knee) for at least one match but are set to welcome back Joe Ofahengaue from a club-imposed two-game suspension.

New captain Alex Glenn is expected to play his first game of the year after overcoming a hamstring issue. Brodie Croft (shoulder) and Corey Oates (ribs) are available after copping knocks in March. 

Matt Lodge is on track to make an early return from his partial ACL tear. Lodge is still not certain to make a comeback with a final decision likely on Tuesday.

Five key match-ups of the Broncos' revised 2020 draw

Canberra Raiders

  1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
  2. Bailey Simonsson
  3. Jarrod Croker
  4. Curtis Scott
  5. Nick Cotric
  6. Jack Wighton
  7. George Williams
  8. Josh Papalii
  9. Josh Hodgson
  10. Sia Soliola
  11. Joseph Tapine
  12. Elliott Whitehead
  13. Corey Horsburgh
  14. Siliva Havili
  15. Dunamis Lui
  16. Ryan Sutton 
  17. Emre Guler

Others: John Bateman, Sam Williams, Michael Oldfield, Tom Starling.

Canberra are hopeful of John Bateman overcoming a shoulder injury after surgery in February but the English forward said he was doubtful over whether he will be right to go. Even if he is not right for the May 30 meeting with Melbourne, his imminent return is a huge advantage for the 2019 grand finalists ahead of a likely shortened season. 

Suspended forward Hudson Young appears the only player in the senior squad to be disadvantaged by the competition's hiatus with his round six return meaning he still has an extra three weeks on the sidelines.

Five key match-ups of the Raiders' revised 2020 draw

Canterbury Bulldogs

  1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
  2. Nick Meaney
  3. Reimis Smith
  4. Will Hopoate
  5. Christian Crichton
  6. Brandon Wakeham
  7. Lachlan Lewis
  8. Aiden Tolman
  9. Jeremy Marshall-King
  10. Dylan Napa
  11. Josh Jackson
  12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
  13. Adam Elliott
  14. Dean Britt
  15. Renouf To’omaga
  16. Sauaso Sue
  17. Jake Averillo

Others: Kerrod Holland, Kieran Foran, Chris Smith, Jack Cogger.

There has been a lot of movement for the Canterbury squad over the league's break with Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor officially deregistered by the NRL. 

The loss of the pair compounds news Joe Stimson may not play again this season after needing to undergo a shoulder operation, which has been delayed because it is not essential surgery. However, the club may receive a major boost on the paddock with Kieran Foran edging closer to a return from a shoulder injury. 

Marcelo Montoya will miss 8-12 weeks after suffering a hamstring injury at training. Kerrod Holland is due back from injury but may not force his way back into the 17 immediately.

Five key match-ups of the Bulldogs revised 2020 draw

Cronulla Sharks

  1. Matt Moylan
  2. Josh Dugan
  3. Bronson Xerri
  4. Jesse Ramien
  5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
  6. Shaun Johnson
  7. Chad Townsend
  8. Andrew Fifita
  9. Blayke Brailey
  10. Aaron Woods
  11. Briton Nikora
  12. Wade Graham
  13. Jack Williams
  14. Connor Tracey
  15. Braden Hamlin-Uele
  16. Toby Rudolf
  17. Scott Sorensen

Others: Sione Katoa, Will Kennedy, Billy Magoulias, Jayson Bukuya.

Big winners out of the game's break, Cronulla are set to enter round three with three of their gun outside backs returning in Matt Moylan, Josh Dugan and Bronson Xerri. The trio missed the opening fortnight of the competition in March but the extended layoff has helped with their rehabilitation. Sione Katoa, Will Kennedy and Billy Magoulias are the likely players to drop out of the 17 but provide vital depth for the squad.

Five key match-ups of the Sharks' revised 2020 draw

Gold Coast Titans

  1. Phillip Sami
  2. Dale Copley
  3. Tyrone Peachey
  4. Brian Kelly
  5. Anthony Don
  6. Tyrone Roberts
  7. Ash Taylor
  8. Jarrod Wallace
  9. Mitch Rein
  10. Shannon Boyd
  11. Kevin Proctor
  12. Keegan Hipgrave 
  13. Jai Arrow
  14. Nathan Peats
  15. Moeaki Fotuaika
  16. Sam Stone
  17. Jai Whitbread

Others: Jonus Pearson, Bryce Cartwright, Sam Lisone, Jaimin Jolliffe.

AJ Brimson is out indefinitely so Phil Sami will reclaim the fullback position. Young forward Keegan Hipgrave has been cleared to return after a series of head knocks. English centre Kallum Watkins has been granted a release to return to the UK for personal reasons.

Brian Kelly and Bryce Cartwright are available for selection again after resolving their flu vaccination issues but the second-rower may struggle to make the game-day 17 due to the Titans' armada of NRL standard forwards, particularly with Hipgrave cleared to make his comeback.

Five key match-ups of the Titans' 2020 revised draw

Manly Sea Eagles

  1. Tom Trbojevic
  2. Jorge Taufua
  3. Brad Parker
  4. Moses Suli
  5. Reuben Garrick
  6. Dylan Walker
  7. Daly Cherry-Evans
  8. Addin Fonua-Blake
  9. Danny Levi
  10. Martin Taupau
  11. Joel Thompson
  12. Curtis Sironen
  13. Jake Trbojevic
  14. Lachlan Croker
  15. Sean Keppie
  16. Morgan Boyle
  17. Taniela Paseka

Others: Toafofoa Sipley, Brendan Elliott, Jack Gosiewski, Haumole Olakau’atu.

Manly are likely to be boosted by the return of Taniela Paseka after he picked up an ankle injury at the NRL Nines in February. It's otherwise a fairly settled squad on the Northern Beaches. Luckless outside back Albert Hopoate will also be nearing a return from an ACL injury he suffered last June.

Five key match-ups of the Sea Eagles' revised 2020 draw

Melbourne Storm

  1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
  2. Suliasi Vunivalu
  3. Marion Seve
  4. Justin Olam
  5. Josh Addo-Carr
  6. Cameron Munster
  7. Jahrome Hughes
  8. Jesse Bromwich
  9. Cameron Smith
  10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
  11. Felise Kaufusi
  12. Kenneath Bromwich
  13. Dale Finucane
  14. Brandon Smith
  15. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
  16. Tui Kamikamica
  17. Christian Welch

Others: Paul Momirovski, Tom Eisenhuth, Max King, Ryley Jacks.

Coach Craig Bellamy will have a decision to make around his centre options with the arrival of Paul Momirovski. The make-up of the bench could also change with Christian Welch due back from an ACL injury.

Five key match-ups of the Storm's revised 2020 draw

Newcastle Knights

  1. Tex Hoy
  2. Edrick Lee
  3. Enari Tuala
  4. Gehamat Shibasaki
  5. Hymel Hunt
  6. Kurt Mann
  7. Mitchell Pearce
  8. David Klemmer
  9. Andrew McCullough
  10. Daniel Saifiti
  11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
  12. Aidan Guerra
  13. Herman Ese'ese
  14. Sione Mata'utia
  15. Jacob Saifiti
  16. Tim Glasby
  17. Connor Watson

Others: Tautau Moga, Chris Randall, Josh King, Pasami Saulo.

A few changes expected for the Knights in round three with Kalyn Ponga suspended and long-term injuries to Mitchell Barnett and Jayden Brailey. Local product Tex Hoy is set to receive a call-up for his debut in the No.1 jersey after impressing at the NRL Nines. 

Connor Watson appeared the likely replacement for Brailey but the signing of Andrew McCullough means the Broncos veteran is a strong chance to wear the No.9 jersey. Sione Mata'utia will be available after overcoming a knee injury in the trials.

Five key match-ups of the Knights' 2020 revised draw

NZ Warriors

  1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
  2. Patrick Herbert
  3. Gerard Beale
  4. Peta Hiku
  5. Ken Maumalo
  6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
  7. Blake Green
  8. Agnatius Paasi
  9. Wayde Egan
  10. Lachlan Burr
  11. Eliesa Katoa
  12. Tohu Harris
  13. Adam Blair
  14. Kodi Nikorima
  15. Isaiah Papali'i
  16. King Vuniyayawa
  17. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Others: Leivaha Pulu, David Fusitu'a, Jack Murchie, Josh Curran.

David Fusitu'a is unavailable after his relocation to Australia was delayed due to personal reasons. Jazz Tevaga (knee), Adam Keighran (knee) and Leeson Ah Mau have suffered training accidents and will be sidelined long term.

Five key match-ups of the Warriors' revised 2020 draw

North Queensland Cowboys

  1. Valentine Holmes
  2. Kyle Feldt
  3. Justin O’Neill
  4. Esan Marsters
  5. Ben Hampton
  6. Scott Drinkwater
  7. Jake Clifford
  8. Josh McGuire
  9. Jake Granville
  10. Jordan McLean
  11. Gavin Cooper
  12. Coen Hess
  13. Jason Taumalolo
  14. Reece Robson
  15. John Asiata
  16. Mitchell Dunn
  17. Francis Molo

Others: Reuben Cotter, Corey Jensen, Tom Opacic, Shane Wright

A fairly settled squad for Paul Green with no injuries or suspensions at the Cowboys leading into round three apart from skipper Michael Morgan (shoulder). He will miss the first few rounds after undergoing surgery. Jake Clifford is set to partner Scott Drinkwater in the halves.

Five key match-ups of the Cowboys' revised 2020 draw

Parramatta Eels

  1. Clint Gutherson
  2. Maika Sivo
  3. Michael Jennings
  4. Waqa Blake
  5. Blake Ferguson
  6. Dylan Brown
  7. Mitchell Moses
  8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
  9. Ray Stone/Reed Mahoney
  10. Junior Paulo
  11. Shaun Lane
  12. Ryan Matterson
  13. Peni Terepo
  14. Brad Takairangi
  15. Marata Niukore
  16. Kane Evans
  17. David Gower

Others: Will Smith, Jaeman Salmon, Daniel Alvaro, Oregon Kaufusi.

Reed Mahoney's foot injury before the break appears to be Parramatta's biggest concern, although the dummy-half will be close to a return. Eels coach Brad Arthur is confident he will be right but he has Ray Stone, Will Smith and Rhys Davies as back-up options at hooker.

Parramatta forward Nathan Brown will miss rounds three and four after copping a dangerous conduct suspension before the hiatus with Peni Terepo the likely replacement.

Five key match-ups of the Eels' revised 2020 draw

Penrith Panthers

  1. Dylan Edwards
  2. Josh Mansour
  3. Dean Whare
  4. Brent Naden
  5. Brian To’o
  6. Jarome Luai
  7. Matt Burton
  8. James Tamou
  9. Api Koroisau
  10. Zane Tetevano
  11. Viliame Kikau
  12. James Fisher-Harris
  13. Isaah Yeo
  14. Stephen Crichton
  15. Kurt Capewell
  16. Moses Leota
  17. Liam Martin

Others: Mitch Kenny, Spencer Leniu, Caleb Aikens, Jed Cartwright.

Matt Burton looms as the likely halfback for Penrith when the competition resumes after Nathan Cleary accepted a two-match ban for breaching social distancing rules. Burton is likely to partner Jarome Luai in the halves for Ivan Cleary's team.

The Panthers are expected to welcome back Dylan Edwards from an ankle injury after the fullback fell short of a round two comeback prior to the competition's suspension. His return should mean Caleb Aikens reverts to the reserves list.

Former Shark Kurt Capewell is also set to play his first game of the year after overcoming a quad complaint. Jack Hetherington faces another week on the sidelines through suspension.

Five key match-ups of the Panthers' revised 2020 draw

South Sydney Rabbitohs

  1. Latrell Mitchell
  2. Alex Johnston
  3. Campbell Graham
  4. Braidon Burns
  5. Dane Gagai
  6. Troy Dargan
  7. Adam Reynolds
  8. Tevita Tatola
  9. Damien Cook
  10. Tom Burgess
  11. Jaydn Su'A
  12. Cameron Murray
  13. Liam Knight
  14. Mark Nicholls
  15. Ethan Lowe
  16. Hame Sele
  17. Bryson Goodwin

Others: Bayley Sironen, Patrick Mago, Kurt Dillon, James Roberts.

There are doubts over James Roberts's availability after the star centre entered a facility to deal with health issues. If he doesn't play, Alex Johnston is likely to come onto the wing with Campbell Graham heading into the centres. Latrell Mitchell is set to stay at fullback.

"I'm not too sure about Jimmy, we haven't made a decision with that yet," skipper Adam Reynolds said on Monday. "He's only had the one training session with us but he was happy and smiling at training, that's the most important thing. Latrell, I think you'll find in the No.1."

Cody Walker's two-game suspension for an off-field incident opens the door for Troy Dargan to partner skipper Adam Reynolds in the halves.

Five key match-ups of the Rabbitohs' revised 2020 draw

St George Illawarra Dragons

  1. Matt Dufty
  2. Jordan Pereira
  3. Brayden Williame
  4. Tim Lafai
  5. Zac Lomax
  6. Corey Norman
  7. Ben Hunt
  8. James Graham
  9. Cameron McInnes
  10. Paul Vaughan
  11. Tyson Frizell
  12. Tariq Sims
  13. Blake Lawrie
  14. Issac Luke
  15. Korbin Sims
  16. Tyrell Fuimaono
  17. Trent Merrin

Others: Euan Aitken, Josh Kerr, Jacob Host, Mikaele Ravalawa.

They will welcome back Cameron McInnes, Tariq Sims and Korbin Sims. The return of McInnes looms as the biggest inclusion with Issac Luke expected to shift to the bench and offer a utility role. The early season form of Tyrell Fuimaono should keep him on the interchange ahead of the likes of Jacob Host and Josh Kerr.

Five key match-ups of the Dragons' revised 2020 draw

Sydney Roosters

  1. James Tedesco
  2. Daniel Tupou
  3. Josh Morris
  4. Joey Manu
  5. Brett Morris
  6. Luke Keary
  7. Kyle Flanagan
  8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
  9. Jake Friend
  10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
  11. Boyd Cordner
  12. Mitch Aubusson
  13. Victor Radley
  14. Sam Verrills
  15. Angus Crichton
  16. Isaac Liu
  17. Nat Butcher

Others: Lindsay Collins, Sitili Tupouniua, Ryan Hall, Matt Ikuvalu.

Veteran skipper Boyd Cordner will be back after his two-week rest turned into a two-month layoff following fears around his workload over the off-season. His return should mean the premiers are just about back to full strength, while the arrival of Josh Morris only adds to the back line. Nat Butcher missed the round-two clash but is expected to be available for a return.

Five key match-ups of the Roosters' revised 2020 draw

Wests Tigers

  1. Adam Doueihi
  2. David Nofoaluma
  3. Joey Leilua
  4. Moses Mbye
  5. Corey Thompson
  6. Benji Marshall
  7. Luke Brooks
  8. Josh Aloiai
  9. Billy Walters
  10. Alex Twal
  11. Luke Garner
  12. Luciano Leilua
  13. Elijah Taylor
  14. Josh Reynolds
  15. Thomas Mikaele
  16. Zane Musgrove
  17. Chris Lawrence

Others: Michael Chee-Kam, Matt Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings, Harry Grant.

Coach Michael Maguire is set to start Adam Doueihi at fullback in a number of positional changes when the NRL restarts. Moses Mbye is set to return from a knee complaint in Doueihi's centre spot with the former Rabbitoh's switch to fullback sending Corey Thompson to the wing.

The arrival of Harry Grant is also going to put further pressure on Billy Walters and Josh Reynolds around the dummy half position with Brooks returning, while injured hooker Jacob Liddle is nearing a return from an ACL rupture. The likes of Michael Chee-Kam, Matt Eisenhuth and Robert Jennings could remain in the reserves.

Five key match-ups of the Wests Tigers' revised 2020 draw

The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.

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Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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