Bronson Xerri has officially been dumped to the NSW Cup following a tumultuous few days where his future at the Bulldogs has come under the spotlight, but he’s not the only star centre to fall out of favour with a Kangaroos bolter dropped to the bench.

Xerri wasn’t named in Canterbury’s squad for Thursday night’s game in Canberra, with the speedster set for a stint in reserve grade after reports he wanted a release from his contract.

Those fears have been allayed for now, with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary shutting down a potential player swap with Izack Tago by calling the rumour “porky pies”.

Enari Tuala will start at right centre for the Bulldogs, while the Green Machine welcome back veteran prop Josh Papalii.

Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds has overcome a rib issue and will start in the grand final rematch against the Storm, with strike centre Gehamat Shibasaki dropped to the bench after a couple of poor defensive displays just months after he represented Australia.

The brutal decision means Deine Mariner shifts to centre with Grant Anderson to make his club debut against his former side the Storm who welcome back Trent Loiero from suspension on the bench.

The Roosters have received a huge boost with NSW hooker Reece Robson named to return from a thumb injury against a Panthers side that features his Blues teammate Liam Martin for the first time this season.

Sandon Smith will be the man to lead Newcastle’s attack at halfback this weekend with superstars Kalyn Ponga (hamstring) and Dylan Brown (knee) both missing long term.

There is good news with Fletcher Sharpe cleared to return from his own knee injury, while Fletcher Hunt gets a crack at fullback after a strong performance off the bench against Manly.

There are changes galore at the Warriors with a couple of big names on the extended bench where Mitchell Barnett could make an early return from a serious knee injury, while Jett Cleary has been picked in jersey No.22.

Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are huge outs for the Warriors, with Taine Tuaupiki named at fullback and Luke Hanson to get a shot in the halves.

Veteran recruit Jack de Belin has dropped to the interchange for Parramatta’s clash against the Dragons who get dynamic dummy-half Jacob Liddle back from a hamstring injury.

Jamie Humphreys is back from suspension to play halfback for the Bunnies, while star half Jayden Campbell has been named in jersey No.19 for the Titans but is expected to start in the halves after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Originally published as Round 3 team lists: Bronson Xerri officially dumped to reserve grade as Michael Maguire swings the axe