MORE: 2015 NRL Casualty Ward | Ask the Lurker - Thursday | Toughest Mothers
Fri: Broncos v Panthers
In an indication of how far Darius Boyd has come, the Broncos fullback has produced a remarkable recovery from a torn achillies he suffered in January. Boyd passed a final fitness test on Thursday morning, clearing him to pull on the Brisbane colours for the first time since 2008. Boyd's return will cause a re-shuffle of the Broncos backline with Jordan Kahu shifting to the wing, which will then force Corey Oates to the bench and Francis Molo back to QLD Cup.
The cavalry is on its way. Jamie Soward (back), James Segeyaro (elbow) and Elijah Taylor (knee) have spent the past week attempting to convince coach Ivan Cleary they are fit for selection. Soward trained strongly on Tuesday. Matt Moylan (broken hand) is in extreme doubt, which if out could prove a devestating blow to the Panthers attacking ability.
Fri: Roosters v Wests Tigers
More than a month without a victory, the Roosters are desperate to stop the rot ahead of an Origin series which could decimate their squad even further. The return of two of their hardest working players, Aiden Guerra (jaw) and Mitch Aubusson (hamstring), is an almighty bonus.
Chris Lawrence replaces Tim Simona (ankle) who is out for the next month, which won't help the Tigers right-side attack. Keith Galloway (shoulder) returns to boost the Tigers forward stocks.
Sat: Raiders v Titans
The Raiders home record has let them down this year and nothing can be surer that Ricky Stuart will have his players wound-up to notch up a Canberra Stadium victory on Saturday afternoon. A sigh of relief that explosive winger Jordan Rapana has been cleared to play after it was first feared he suffered a suspected fractured jaw.
The suspension of Greg Bird for eight weeks is a bitter blow for NSW, but an even greater loss for the Gold Coast Titans. Bird's omission will impact the Titans ability to match a sizable Raiders pack, with rookie Lachlan Burr chosen to fill the void of Bird at lock.
Sat: Sharks v Warriors
One of the Sharks most consistent performers, winger Sosaia Feki (knee) will miss the next three weeks. His omission has resulted in the much-anticipated promotion of Ben Barba from the bench to fullback and Valentine Holmes to the wing. The Sharks go-forward has been lacking in recent weeks, however the return of Andrew Fifita from suspension is never more timely against the powerful Warriors pack. There is also some mail out of the Shire that twin brother David Fifita (broken leg) has recovered in record time and could be a shock inclusion. Paul Gallen (hip) is at least three weeks away. 
Will the big win by New Zealand against Australia impact the energy of a large majority of the Warriors players who played in the Test match? Time will tell. Blockbusting centre Konrad Hurrell has earned an NRL reprieve, replacing David Fusitu'a while expect a big game from halfback Chad Townsend, who is eager to return to the Sharks next season.
Sat: Cowboys v Bulldogs
Just the one major injury concern for the Cowboys and it's a significant one with wrecking-ball Jason Taumalolo (knee) a major loss against the huge Bulldogs pack.
A huge plus for Canterbury who welcome back Josh Morris (ankle) while Josh Reynolds' one week suspension will see the more than capable Moses Mbye shift to the five-eighth position.
Sun: Sea Eagles v Knights
Just when it seemed like Manly were getting their house in order, after a gutsy win over Melbourne, they have no lost Kiwi Test half Kieran Foran for up to a month with a hamstring injury. Jamie Lyon, who returns from an ankle injury, is an obvious choice to come straight into the pivot position to partner Daly Cherry-Evans.
Despite an average month of football, Newcastle coach Rick Stone continues to stick with the same 17 each week, but don't be surprised to see 18th man Sione Matautia force his way into the side. The return of Beau Scott (ankle) will stiffen up the Knights right-side.
Sun: Eels v Storm
Parramatta welcome back crowd favourite Semi Radradra (knee) and given their position toward the bottom of the NRL ladder, it's not soon enough. Rookie tearaway Tepai Moeroa has been named as the 18th man, but expect him to play.
Billy Slater (shoulder) returns in a massive boost for the Storm, while the suspension of Felise Kaufusi has been covered by the return of Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.
Mon: Rabbitohs v Dragons
The last match of the round on Monday night will allow halfback Adam Reynolds (knee) every chance to prove his fitness for a late call-up in what would be a major advantage for the out of form Bunnies. John Sutton (jaw) will make his comeback while Chris Grevsmuhl will replace Glenn Stewart (broken thumb) in the backrow. Five-eighth Luke Keary is expected to play but the NSW hopeful needs surgery for a serious foot injury. The Bunnies pivot is desperately trying to avoid the operation to fix cartilage damage between his toes, which would see him sidelined for 12 months. Instead he will likely play the rest of the season with weekly pain-killing injections.
Saints fans shoudn't write off Test star Josh Dugan (knee) just yet. While Dragons officials will err on the side of caution, Dugan is working around the clock to prove his fitness. If Dugan was to return, Jason Nightingale would shift to the wing with Eto Nabuli dropping back to NSW Cup. Tyson Frizzell (suspension) is back in a bid to further his NSW Origin claims.
