Team Talk: Round 23

Broncos v Rabbitohs

Brisbane lock Josh McGuire will return to their round 23 side after serving a one week suspension. Tevita Pangai Junior (hamstring), Corey Oates (ankle) and Joe Ofahengaue (knee) will all line up for the Broncos this week after being declared fit to play. After making his debut last week, Gehamat Shibasaki will fight it out against Jordan Kahu at training for a spot in the backline.

Despite some positive results on Alex Johnstons hamstring scans, he is still likely to miss 2-3 weeks, meaning South Sydney are in need of a new fullback. Dane Gagai filled in for the injured Johnston last week and could do it again, meaning Braidon Burns could remain in the backline. Campbell Graham is also in doubt with a wrist injury after being a late withdrawal last week. Greg Inglis remains one week away from making his return as he's back to full training this week.

Sea Eagles v Titans

Brian Kelly couldn't manage to see out the game against Canterbury last week due to an ankle injury, but coach Trent Barrett remains positive he's a chance to feature in their Round 23 team. Api Koroisau could make a return after a lengthy period on the sideline with a footy injury, while Marty Taupau is expected to recover from a leg injury.

Michael Gordon's 2018 season could be over thanks to a wrist injury which saw he be a late withdrawal in Round 22. AJ Brimson is expected to keep his spot at fullback. Brenko Lee is set to overcome a hamstring injury to take his place in the starting line up.

Storm v Eels

Genuine concerns Storm veteran Ryan Hoffman has played his final game in the NRL after suffering a hamstring injury in their loss to Cronulla last round. Tui Kamikamica and Brandon Smith are the most likely replacements, although Sam Kasino is pushing his case after returning to reserve grade last week.

After their impressive win over St. George, the Eels are set to be unchanged, but Kirisome Auva'a is expected to be fit after recovering from a footy injury and is looking for a way to return to the team.

Panthers v Knights

Panthers new coach Cameron Ciraldo has been urged to rest star five-eighth James Maloney in order for him to be fit for finals, while he'll also need to find a new interchange player as Jack Hetherington was suspended for two weeks following a dangerous tackle against the Titans.

Kalyn Ponga is a chance of missing this week's clash with the Panthers in order to fully recover from an ankle injury. Nick Meaney could come into fullback, while Connor Watson could make a return from a groin injury, forcing Jack Cogger out of the 17.

Tigers v Dragons

Tim Grant has recovered from his knee injury and has been declared fit, although might find it hard to make the final 17 against the Dragons in the Tigers must win game to keep their season alive.

A stumbling Dragons outfit will need to find a replacement for five-eighth Gareth Widdop after he suffered a shoulder injury last round. Darren Nicholls is the frontrunner to take Widdops place, although youngster Jai Field is a dark horse. Jason Nightingale will again be sidelined with a neck/shoulder injury which sees Jordan Periera retain his wing position.

Sharks v Cowboys

Wade Graham didn't finish the game against the Storm thanks to a knee injury and is a set to miss this week's clash against the Cowboys. Veteran Luke Lewis could be rested in order to be fit and firing for finals. Josh Dugan must pass concussion protocols in order to play.

Jason Taumalolo will miss a week after receiving a one match suspension, while Shaun Fensom will return to the side after missing last round due to a concussion.

Bulldogs v Warriors

Youngster Lachlan Lewis missed last round with a family issue and is expected to take Matt Frawley's place in the halves. Otherwise, Bulldogs will remain unchanged.

Tohu Harris is still another week away from making his NRL return from his knee injury, meanwhile, Sam Lisone will miss the Round 23 clash with the Dogs after coping a suspension.

Raiders v Roosters

Being a late withdrawal last week, Aidan Sezer could make a return to the starting lineup this week. If he doesn't, Blake Austin could get the nod in the halves to partner Sam Williams.

Hard hitter Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is out until the finals with a rib injury, while James Tedesco has passed all concussion protocols and will line up against the Raiders this week. Luke Keary is still a fortnight away from making a return.