Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs
Origin stars Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire will return to the starting side after a week off last weekend, although that might not be the highest-profile return for the Broncos this weekend.
Darius Boyd is a chance to recover from a broken thumb and could be named on the extended bench. If not, Jamayne Isaako will stay at fullback.
Josh Jackson, David Klemmer and Brett Morris will all return after Origin heartache last Wednesday, with Danny Fualalo, Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Kerrod Holland all dropping out of the starting side.
Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights
Michael Gordon (pec) and Jake Friend (broken hand) will both miss Friday's clash with Newcastle, with Victor Radley and Connor Watson expected to be their replacements. Sydney's Origin quartet of Blake Ferguson, Dylan Napa, Mitchell Pearce and Boyd Cordner will all face the Knights.
Shaun Kenny-Dowell will make his club debut for Newcastle after finally overcoming his hamstring problem, while Ken Sio and Peter Mata'utia are also expected to beat injury issues and play.
Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs
James Segeyaro is hoping to start at hooker in his return to the starting line-up, with Origin trio Valentine Holmes, Jack Bird and James Maloney all set to feature, although Maloney is the least likely after suffering a neck injury in the Origin decider.
Aaron Gray is the only Rabbitoh under an injury cloud, with his Achilles injury sidelining him indefinitely.
Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans
Trent Merrin will miss the rest of the regular season after suffering a knee injury last weekend, with James Fisher-Harris set to slot in at lock for Merrin. Matt Moylan should return from his hamstring complaint against the Titans, while Peter Wallace could be back as well.
Karl Lawton could return to the side following shoulder problems, while Max King and Agnatius Passi will battle it out for the starting lock position.
Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm
Josh Papalii will miss Canberra's next two weeks through suspension, with Joe Tapine set to replace him in the side.
The Storm's Origin members are all set to return, with Cameron Munster, Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Tim Glasby, Will Chambers and Billy Slater all helping Queensland to a series win. Cheyse Blair will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, as Young Tonumaipea should fill that void. Jordan McLean should also return from injury.
North Queensland Cowboys v New Zealand Warriors
John Asiata should play this weekend after recovering from a cork, although Antonio Winterstein may miss with a calf problem.
Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson will be out indefinitely with a knee issue, with Ata Hingano set to replace him in the halves.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Sea Eagles
Russell Packer may miss the Dragons' clash with Manly with a hip issue, although they will get Euan Aitken back from a hamstring problem. Origin stars Tyson Frizell and Josh Dugan should both return to the lineup.
Apisai Koroisau has a rib injury but should still be fit enough to take on the Dragons, as the Sea Eagles should go in unchanged otherwise.
Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels
Josh Aloiai has returned to full training once again and could play this weekend, and would likely be a replacement for Sauaso Sue who could face a week on the sidelines through suspension. Hooker Jacob Liddle will miss the game with a dislocated shoulder.
Frank Pritchard and Peni Terepo should both return to football this weekend after injuries, although Brad Arthur may play Terepo in the reserve grade. Manu Ma'u should also return to the line-up after overcoming a knee problem.
Comments are closed.