Canterbury will have up to 10 players missing for Thursday night's showdown with the Dolphins, through a mix of injury, suspension and State of Origin selection. They keep winning, but the absences mean they won't want to rely on another second-half fightback.
HOW WILL TOM TRBOJEVIC RESPOND?
Tom Trbojevic was easily the biggest name left out of State of Origin from either side, not picked by NSW even after Jacob Kiraz was ruled out on the wing. He had a rough night in attack against North Queensland, and will surely want to respond against Parramatta.
CAN PENRITH'S NEXT MEN UP GET SEASON ON TRACK
The State of Origin period has traditionally been tough for Penrith, losing all three matches across 2023 and 2024 when their stars were in NSW camp. The Panthers lose five players again this week against an equally-depleted Newcastle, but their poor start to 2025 means they can barely afford to falter.
IS THIS CRONULLA'S TIME TO STRIKE?
The Sharks loom as the side most likely to make a run over the next two months, with no State of Origin representatives despite sitting fourth on the ladder. They face a Roosters side missing five NSW and Queensland players on Saturday night.
AUCKLAND IS A LONG WAY FROM VEGAS
When Canberra dismantled the Warriors in the opening game of the season in Las Vegas, no one paid much attention. When they meet on Sunday the two sides arrive as genuine NRL front-runners, with the winner to take second spot on the ladder.
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