Storm v Rabbitohs
Melbourne are set to get a boost to their stocks with champion fullback Billy Slater expected to line up. Cameron Munster and Brodie Croft have also overcome their respective knee injuries, with Munster sliding back into the five-eighth position, but it's unclear what position Croft will play, if he makes the final 17. Winger Suliasi Vunivalu is expected to line up after recovering from his hamstring injury, while Brandon Smith could also feature off the bench. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is still another week away, with Will Chambers also having one more week left on his suspension.
Sam Burgess is expected to be fit and take the field after limping off last weekend with a hamstring complaint. Otherwise, the Bunnies are expecting no changes.
Panthers v Warriors
Wayde Egan will come back into the starting hooker role after missing last week, with Siona Kata dropping out of the side. Jack Hetherington and Tyrone May could also be dropped from the final 17, while Corey Harawira-Naera is set for a return from concussion.
Simon Mannering only managed 42 minutes last Friday thanks to a sternum issue, but the club expects him to line up against the Panthers. Issac Luke will have to pass concussion protocols but will be named and is set to play. Blake Green has recovered from his calf injury which will see Mason Lino likely to drop out of the side. Gerard Beale is a chance of gaining a bench spot as Peta Hiku will keep his centre position.
Roosters v Sharks
Latrell Mitchell will be counting his lucky stars as he can escape a dangerous throw suspension through an early guilty plea. Nat Butcher didn't play last week but could likely be swapped in for Lindsay Collins, while Victor Radley could find himself in the starting side.
Ricky Leutele (knee) and Jesse Ramien (ankle) are both racing the clock to be fit for their clash against the minor premiers. If so, Kurt Capewell and Edrick Lee will be the unlucky pair to miss out.
Broncos v Dragons
Andrew McCullough will return at hooker for Brisbane after being ruled out last week with concussion. Alex Glenn is expected to be fit after also missing last week, as all eyes will be on Tevita Pangai-Junior. The forward is in doubt after sustaining a hamstring injury, and if he is not fit, Sam Tagataese could be his replacement.
Good news Dragons fans, Gareth Widdop will return at five-eighth for your elimination final. The inclusion of Widdop means Kurt Mann drops back to a utility role off the bench and Jai Field drops out of the team. Euan Aitken and Jason Nightingale are a good chance of returning from their injuries, while Jack de Belin is in some doubt with a foot concern.
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