Official team lists, updates and injury news for round three of the 2021 Telstra Premiership season.
Round 3 teams lists
Panthers v Storm, Thursday 8.05pm at BlueBet Stadium
Match: Panthers v Storm
Round 3 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Storm is number 17 Nicholas Hynes
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Charlie StainesWinger for Storm is number 2 George Jennings
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Paul MomirovskiCentre for Storm is number 3 Reimis Smith
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 19 Matt BurtonHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Storm is number 9 Brandon Smith
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Storm is number 10 Christian Welch
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Tom Eisenhuth
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Storm is number 15 Tui Kamikamica
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Tyrone MayInterchange for Storm is number 13 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Spencer LeniuInterchange for Storm is number 16 Chris Lewis
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Matthew EisenhuthInterchange for Storm is number 19 Darryn Schonig
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Liam MartinInterchange for Storm is number 20 Tyson Smoothy
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Panthers: Nathan Cleary is out due to the head knock he copped last Saturday from former teammate Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the win over Canterbury. Playmaker Matt Burton has been elevated from the reserves list and will play halfback.
Api Koroisau (broken wrist) is expected to miss at least another five weeks. Mitch Kenny took Koroisau's place against the Bulldogs and punched out 80 minutes.
Scott Sorensen and Jaeman Salmon were omitted from the reserves an hour before kick-off after Cleary and J'maine Hopgood dropped out of the squad on Wednesday.
The Panthers have not defeated the Storm in Penrith since 2013.
Storm: A few late changes for Melbourne. Tui Kamikamica starts at lock with Nelson Asofa-Solomona to come off the bench. Darryn Schonig and Tyson Smoothy join the interchange with Aaron Pene and Cooper Johns dropping out.
Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is out with a neck injury with Nicho Hynes promoted from the bench to take his spot.
Papenhuyzen and Dean Ieremia came out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off.
Centre Justin Olam has scored 12 tries in his past 12 games.
What makes a good defensive fullback
Dragons v Sea Eagles, Friday 6.00pm at WIN Stadium
Match: Dragons v Sea Eagles
Round 3 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Sea Eagles
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Matthew DuftyFullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Dylan Walker
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Cody RamseyWinger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jack BirdCentre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Brad Parker
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Mosese Suli
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben Garrick
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Corey NormanFive-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Kieran Foran
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Blake LawrieProp for Sea Eagles is number 8 Taniela Paseka
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Andrew McCulloughHooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Lachlan Croker
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Paul VaughanProp for Sea Eagles is number 10 Martin Taupau
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Josh Kerr2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Jack Gosiewski
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Josh Schuster
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tyrell FuimaonoLock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Poasa FaamausiliInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Cade Cust
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Trent MerrinInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Sean Keppie
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Daniel AlvaroInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Josh Aloiai
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Brayden WiliameInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 20 Toafofoa Sipley
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Dragons: The team will start 1-17 after Kaide Ellis and Jackson Ford were left out an hour before kick-off.
The only occupant of the Red V injury ward close to a return is halfback Jayden Sullivan, who is at least a week away with a hamstring injury.
Adam Clune and Jordan Pereira were omitted from the reserves list on Thursday night.
The Dragons have won five of their past six games against Manly.
Sea Eagles: Manly will start 1-13, with the only change coming on the bench, with Toafofoa Sipley (No.20) making the final 17. Morgan Boyle and Tevita Funa were the two players omitted an hour before kick-off.
Bench utility Cade Cust has passed his concussion protocols and will take his place against the Dragons.
Talented youngster Josh Schuster will replace back-rower Andrew Davey, who suffered a season-ending ruptured ACL in the loss to South Sydney.
Manly's back-row stocks are low with Curtis Sironen (knee, round six) and Haumole Olakau'atu (elbow, indefinite) also unavailable for selection.
Superstar custodian Tom Trbojevic is nearing a return but is expected to miss at least one more week so the Dylan Walker experiment at fullback will continue despite Hasler contemplating a backline shake-up in the wake of the Rabbitohs loss.
The Sea Eagles have not won in Wollongong since 2003.
Rabbitohs v Roosters, Friday 8.05pm at Stadium Australia
Match: Rabbitohs v Roosters
Round 3 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Latrell MitchellFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex JohnstonWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Roosters is number 3 Josh Morris
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell GrahamCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Josh MansourWinger for Roosters is number 5 Brett Morris
-
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody WalkerFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Lachlan Lam
-
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Adam ReynoldsHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke Keary
Forwards
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Thomas BurgessProp for Roosters is number 8 Lindsay Collins
-
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Roosters is number 9 Freddy Lussick
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Tevita TatolaProp for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jaydn Su'a2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
-
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron MurrayLock for Roosters is number 13 Isaac Liu
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Benji MarshallInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Mark NichollsInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Patrick MagoInterchange for Roosters is number 18 Drew Hutchison
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Jai ArrowInterchange for Roosters is number 21 Fletcher Baker
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Todd Smith
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Rabbitohs: There were no changes on match day with South Sydney's line-up confirmed 1-17 at the final cut-down. The men to miss out were Jacob Host and Steven Marsters.
Coach Wayne Bennett had confirmed on Thursday that halfback Adam Reynolds would take his place in the blockbuster.
"He's done all his tests and protocols and he's good," Bennett said of his star playmaker.
Prop Junior Tatola is also good to go after overcoming a hamstring complaint.
Winger Josh Mansour has been recalled to the starting side to replace Jaxson Paulo, who has suffered two concussions in recent weeks and will be rested.
Middle forward Liam Knight resumed contact training last week after his own bout of concussion but is still not expected back until round four.
Tautau Moga and Troy Dargan were the players trimmed from the extended bench 24 hours before kick-off.
The Rabbitohs claimed their biggest ever win over the Roosters (60-8) when these teams last met.
Roosters: Interchange forward Nat Butcher failed to make the final 17 with last week's try-scoring debutant Fletcher Baker taking his place on the bench. Matt Ikuvalu is the other match-day omission.
Victor Radley's return from injury has been delayed due to a minor shoulder injury, with Drew Hutchison replacing him on the bench. Sam Walker was the other player to drop out of the playing squad on Thursday night.
Angus Crichton will return from a one-match suspension for a crusher tackle on the right edge.
Hooker and captain Jake Friend (concussion) is missing again this week while his understudy Sam Verrills (knee) is still a couple of weeks away from making his return from ACL surgery.
The Roosters have won their opening three games only once in the past 17 seasons.
Raiders v Warriors, Saturday 3.00pm at GIO Stadium
Match: Raiders v Warriors
Round 3 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-KlokstadFullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Bailey SimonssonWinger for Warriors is number 2 David Fusitu'a
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod CrokerCentre for Warriors is number 3 Adam Pompey
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Curtis ScottCentre for Warriors is number 4 Peta Hiku
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan RapanaWinger for Warriors is number 5 Ken Maumalo
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 George WilliamsHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'iProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh HodgsonHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
-
Prop for Raiders is number 15 Ryan SuttonProp for Warriors is number 10 Bunty Afoa
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Eliesa Katoa
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 21 Sebastian Kris2nd Row for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Joseph TapineLock for Warriors is number 14 Jazz Tevaga
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva HaviliInterchange for Warriors is number 12 Bayley Sironen
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Iosia SoliolaInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Ben Murdoch-Masila
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Ryan JamesInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Leeson Ah Mau
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 19 Tom StarlingInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Jack Murchie
Match Officials
- Referee: Henry Perenara
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Raiders: In a series of changes made public an hour before the match, Ryan Sutton (No.15) will start at prop and Sebastian Kris (No.21) in the second row, after Hudson Young (No.11) and Caleb Aekins (No. 20) were the last two players omitted.
Tom Starling will come off the bench.
A boost for the Green Machine with co-captain Jarrod Croker named to play his first game of the year after recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.
Coach Ricky Stuart was waiting for Croker to improve his conditioning after missing training due to off-season shoulder surgery.
Dunamis Lui and Sam Williams were the two players left out 24 hours before the match.
The Raiders have won three of their past four games against the Warriors.
Warriors: In a series of positional changes announced an hour before kick-off, Jazz Tevaga (No.14) comes into the starting side at lock, Tohu Harris (No.13) moves into the second row and Bayley Sironen (No.12) will start on the interchange bench.
Tom Ale and Marcelo Montoya were the two players left out an hour before the match.
Sean O'Sullivan will come into the side at halfback to replace Chanel Harris-Tavita, who is set to spend up to 12 weeks out after scans revealed a stress fracture in his left foot.
Bunty Afoa will start at prop in place of the suspended Jamayne Taunoa-Brown and Jack Murchie has been named to return from a pectoral injury on the bench.
Kane Evans and Paul Turner were culled from the reserves when the team was reduced to 19 on Friday.
Prop Addin Fonua-Blake will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Meet Jack Wighton's grassroots club
Broncos v Bulldogs, Saturday 5.30pm at Suncorp Stadium
Match: Broncos v Bulldogs
Round 3 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Jamayne IsaakoFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Corey Allan
-
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Xavier CoatesWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Nick Meaney
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Will Hopoate
-
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Tesi NiuCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Nick Cotric
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 David MeadWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Tuipulotu Katoa
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Anthony MilfordFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Jake Averillo
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Brodie CroftHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Kyle Flanagan
Forwards
-
Prop for Broncos is number 8 Tevita Pangai JuniorProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Jack Hetherington
-
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jake TurpinHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Jeremy Marshall-King
-
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Thomas FleglerProp for Bulldogs is number 17 Dylan Napa
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Alex Glenn2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Adam Elliott
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Corey Waddell
-
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick CarriganLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Josh Jackson
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Rhys KennedyInterchange for Bulldogs is number 8 Ofahiki Ogden
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Ethan BullemorInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Sione Katoa
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Ben Te'oInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Renouf Atoni
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Interchange for Broncos is number 18 Tom DeardenInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Joe Stimson
Match Officials
- Referee: Ben Cummins
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Nick Morel
- Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall
Last updated:
Broncos: Brodie Croft has retained the No.7 jersey but young halfback Tom Dearden has been recalled to the squad to be the bench utility with John Asiata rested due to a neck concern.
Coach Kevin Walters has backed his players to turn things around despite the fact Brisbane's record-breaking losing streak now stands at 13.
Forward leader Payne Haas will return from suspension next round while prop Matthew Lodge (hamstring) is at least a week or two away.
After Richie Kennar and Cory Paix were the two players left out 24 hours before the match, Asiata and Corey Oates were omitted an hour before kick-off..
The Broncos have won their past five games against the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.
Bulldogs: There has been one change announced an hour before kick-off, with Dylan Napa moving into the starting side and Ofahiki Ogden now back on the bench.
Dean Britt and Lachlan Lewis were the two players left out an hour before kick-off.
Back-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner (broken foot) has been lost for up to 20 weeks with Corey Waddell moving from the interchange into the starting line-up and Joe Stimson from the reserves last week to the bench.
Winger Tuipulotu Katoa will play his second NRL game as the replacement for suspended Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Hooker Sione Katoa has changed places with Jeremy Marshall-King, who made his comeback from injury last week via the bench.
Centre Nick Cotric has scored five tries in his past four games against the Broncos.
Eels v Sharks, Saturday 7.35pm at Bankwest Stadium
Match: Eels v Sharks
Round 3 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika SivoWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Tom OpacicCentre for Sharks is number 3 Josh Dugan
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Marata NiukoreCentre for Sharks is number 4 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Blake FergusonWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-GillardProp for Sharks is number 8 Braden Hamlin-Uele
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
-
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloProp for Sharks is number 10 Aaron Woods
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Isaiah Papali'i2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 Nathan BrownLock for Sharks is number 13 Toby Rudolf
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Oregon KaufusiInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Teig Wilton
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Keegan HipgraveInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Aiden Tolman
-
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Will SmithInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Jack Williams
-
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Ray StoneInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Billy Magoulias
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Eels: In the only change to the 17, Ryan Matterson (concussion) will not play after his heavy head knock in the impressive win over Melbourne.
Matterson is replaced in the starting back row by impressive off-season recruit Isaiah Papali'i. That brings Ray Stone, who makes his NRL return from a knee injury, onto the bench.
The Eels will be without centre Waqa Blake for at least a month after he suffered a calf injury at training last week while Bryce Cartwright (broken jaw) and Michael Oldfield (knee) are scheduled to return between rounds four and six.
Haze Dunster and Joey Lussick were trimmed from the reserves list on game day after Jordan Rankin and David Hollis were left out 24 hours before the match.
Parramatta have a 76 per cent winning record at Bankwest Stadium.
Sharks: Utility Connor Tracey will step up from the interchange to replace centre Mawene Hiroti, who was subbed out for Tracey just after half-time in the loss to Canberra.
Hiroti, who stepped in for the suspended Jesse Ramien in round two, has slipped all the way out of the 17 with Teig Wilton promoted to take Tracey's place on the interchange.
It will be at least a month before we see Royce Hunt (knee) and Siosifa Talakai (shoulder) who have had their returns delayed after initially being expected back early in the season.
Ramien will return from suspension in round five while star half Shaun Johnson is due back in round seven or eight from an Achilles injury.
Hiroti and Andrew Fifita were cut from the reserves an hour before kick-off after Nene Macdonald and Braydon Trindall were the two players omitted on Friday night.
The Sharks have won six of their past eight games against the Eels.
Knights v Wests Tigers, Sunday 4.05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Match: Knights v Wests Tigers
Round 3 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tex HoyFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Daine Laurie
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Hymel HuntWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David Nofoaluma
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Enari TualaCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Tommy Talau
-
Centre for Knights is number 32 Dominic YoungCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 James Roberts
-
Winger for Knights is number 18 Gehamat ShibasakiWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Asu Kepaoa
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kurt MannFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Adam Doueihi
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Mitchell PearceHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke Brooks
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 David KlemmerProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Zane Musgrove
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden BraileyHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jacob Liddle
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Daniel SaifitiProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 James Tamou
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Luke Garner
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Mitchell Barnett2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Luciano Leilua
-
Lock for Knights is number 14 Sauaso SueLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex Twal
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 13 Connor WatsonInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Joe Ofahengaue
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Jacob SaifitiInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Thomas Mikaele
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Josh KingInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Stefano Utoikamanu
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie JonesInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Moses Mbye
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Chris Butler
- Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara
Last updated:
Knights: Englishman Dominic Young will make his NRL debut in the centres following Saturday's withdrawal of Bradman Best due to an elbow injury.
Young's promotion into the starting side sees Gehamat Shibasaki moved onto the wing and Starford To'a joining Pasami Saulo as the two players left out an hour before the match.
In another late reshuffle, Sauaso Sue will start at lock with Connor Watson on the interchange bench.
Five-eighth Kurt Mann (knee) is set to make a swift return after his late withdrawal from the side to play the Warriors.
His replacement Phoenix Crossland was suspended for a crusher tackle.
Newcastle's injury ward will begin to empty over the coming weeks with Edrick Lee (foot) expected back next week, Kalyn Ponga (shoulder) in round four or five, and veteran playmaker Blake Green (knee) somewhere between rounds five and eight.
As well as Best, Nathanael Sasagi was left out 24 hours before the match.
The Knights outscored Wests Tigers 86-28 across two clashes in 2020.
Wests Tigers: Michael Maguire's side will start 1-17 with Michael Chee-Kam and Russell Packer the two players left out an hour before kik-off.
Maguire confirmed after the loss to the Roosters that James Roberts (shoulder) would return and the centre has been named.
Joey Leilua is the man to make way, paying the price for an abject defensive display on the left edge. It remains to be seen whether Maguire will move Roberts from the right to help plug-up their defence.
Zane Musgrove will return from suspension to a place in the front row with off-season recruit Joe Ofahengaue dropping back to the bench and Michael Chee Kam joining Joey Leilua in the reserves.
Hooker Billy Walters (knee) and back-rower Shawn Blore (wrist) will not be back before round six at the earliest.
Joey Leilua and Alex Seyfarth were the two players left out on the eve of the match.
Wests Tigers have won three of their past four games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Cowboys v Titans, Sunday 6.15pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Match: Cowboys v Titans
Round 3 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 5 Valentine HolmesFullback for Titans is number 1 AJ Brimson
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Murray TaulagiWinger for Titans is number 2 Anthony Don
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Esan MarstersCentre for Titans is number 3 Phillip Sami
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowCentre for Titans is number 4 Patrick Herbert
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 18 Justin O'NeillWinger for Titans is number 5 Corey Thompson
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Tanah Boyd
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake CliffordHalfback for Titans is number 7 Jamal Fogarty
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Francis MoloProp for Titans is number 8 Jarrod Wallace
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Titans is number 9 Mitch Rein
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jordan McLeanProp for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Mitchell Dunn2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Kevin Proctor
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Coen Hess2nd Row for Titans is number 12 David Fifita
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Titans is number 14 Tyrone Peachey
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake GranvilleInterchange for Titans is number 10 Moeaki Fotuaika
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Josh McGuireInterchange for Titans is number 15 Sam Lisone
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Corey JensenInterchange for Titans is number 16 Jaimin Jolliffe
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Lachlan BurrInterchange for Titans is number 17 Erin Clark
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall
Last updated:
Cowboys: A late reshuffle in the backline with Valentine Holmes moving to his preferred fullback position and Scott Drinkwater shifting to five-eighth with Ben Hampton dropping out. Shane Wright was the other player to drop out and hour before kick-off.
Justin O'Neill has come off the reserves list to play wing in jersey 18.
Michael Morgan (shoulder) and Peter Hola were omitted on Saturday.
Second-rower Coen Hess suffered a burner injury against the Dragons but will play.
Murray Taulagi will replace suspended winger Kyle Feldt, who copped a two-week ban for his tackle on Dragons centre Jack Bird.
Payten elected to stick with Reuben Cotter at No.13 as forward leader Jason Taumalolo's (broken hand) replacement despite a spirited challenge from veteran Josh McGuire. Cotter was the team's Players' Player against St George Illawarra.
The Cowboys have won 10 of their past 11 games against the Titans.
Titans: Tyrone Peachey has been brought into the starting side at lock with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui shifting to prop and Moeaki Fotuaika to the bench.
Beau Fermor and Sam Stone were omitted an hour before kick-off.
A hand injury has sidelined five-eighth Ash Taylor for at least a few weeks. Tanah Boyd will make his second start at No.6 in Taylor's place.
Phillip Sami will continue to deputise in the centres with Brian Kelly (fractured hand) scheduled to return in round five.
Herman Ese'ese and Sam McIntyre dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off.
The Titans have not won in Townsville since 2012.