Craig Bellamy has pitchforked Kiwi international Kenny Bromwich into hooker as the Storm head into Magic Round short three rep stars, while Josh Hodgson returns after giving up Canberra s club captaincy and the Tigers rejig their spine as well.
Both Melbourne and the Maroons will sweat what are hoped to only be two-week injuries to Cameron Munster (foot sprain) and Harry Grant (hamstring), who will join Brandon Smith (suspension) in the stands for the Storm s clash with St George Illawarra.
Melbourne have indicated a best-case scenario for Munster and Grant is for them to return in round 12 for a final hit-out before Origin teams are named for game one on June 9, but any setbacks in their recovery could have the annual Queensland injury crisis already in play.
Broncos
The first three weeks of the season will be tough without the suspended Payne Haas but even when the Origin prop returns the Broncos still look undermanned upfront with David Fifita and Joe Ofahengaue moving on.
The wooden spooners need young bucks Thomas Flegler and Patrick Carrigan to go to another level in 2021 and veteran Alex Glenn to stay injury-free and defy Father Time if new coach Kevin Walters is to restore pride at Red Hill.
Behind the scenes with Tedesco, Sergis and little league stars
Raiders
John Bateman is a massive loss but the experience of former Titan Ryan James will help ease the blow of losing the rugged Englishman.