Brisbane's hopes of winning the derby clash with the Dolphins have been rocked with star prop Payne Haas ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Star forward Haas suffered a knock to an AC joint in the 18-14 win over Melbourne and the Broncos have taken no risks with him ahead of what will be a gruelling season for the NSW and Samoa representative.

New Zealand international Xavier Willison takes the place of Haas in the front row while barnstorming second-rower Brendan Piakura has been elevated to the starting side after shining off the bench against the Storm.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Chanel Harris-Tavita are on the team list following head knocks and Adam Pompey returns from personal leave in further boosts for the Kiwi side.

Jock Madden replaces the injured Jarome Luai in the Tigers' starting halves for his first game since 2024.

But highly rated playmaker Latu Fainu is listed among the reserves so could make a late charge into the side following off-season shoulder surgery.

Young forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga has been named on the bench to face Gold Coast only days after leaving training in an ambulance following a neck injury.

Second-rower Briton Nikora misses Cronulla's clash against Canberra with a broken nose but is a chance to be fit for round five.

Billy Smith has recovered from the concussion he suffered in an e-bike accident so will replace Junior Pauga for the Sydney Roosters' clash against Daly Cherry-Evans' former side Manly.

The Sea Eagles have stuck solid with the same starting side that suffered a disastrous loss to reigning wooden spooners Newcastle in round two.

Australian Associated Press