Cowboys v Sharks (5:30pm AEST)
No Johnathan Thurston for the first time this season for the Cowboys, the best player in the NRL has chosen to sit out this match after a gruelling Origin period. Noted hooker Rory Kostjasyn has been named to partner Michael Morgan in the halves, however don't be shocked if Robert Lui starts instead.
Paul Gallen won’t be boarding the plane to Townsville and is out of the Cronulla side after succumbing to his rib injury. Gallen would have required pain-killing injection to play and wasn’t confident of lasting the distance. He will officially withdraw on Friday morning but will be right to play in the Origin decider on July 8.
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Fri: Broncos v Knights (7.35pm AEST)
Changes to the Broncos with Jack Reed ruled out which will force Jordan Kahu to the centres and Dale Copley earning a recall to the bench.
The big news here isn't the injury ravaged Knights side, but the mail that halfback Tyrone Roberts is set to return from his own injury woe in the NSW Cup on Sunday against Wentworthville. On over $400,000 a season, Roberts is clearly on the outer with NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson close to finalising a contract at the club the Knights next season. And what was Jarrod Mullen on the flight to Brisbane for this morning? Could be a late inclusion.
Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles (7.35pm AEST)
Still no Isaac Luke (knee) for the Rabbitohs, while coach Michael Maguire has hosed down speculation Glenn Stewart (thumb) is in line to return against his former club.
Manly are reporting no fresh injury concerns after their comprehensive victory over the Wests Tigers last Friday night. Watch for a big game from bench forward James Hasson, who is off-contract with Canterbury and Melbourne showing interest for 2016.
Sat: Warriors v Raiders (3.00pm AEST)
No injury concerns to speak of the Warriors after their powerful win over the Gold Coast Titans. They will start favourites at Mt Smart Stadium.
Mid-season Newcastle recruit BJ Leilua will make his Canberra debut despite being named as the 18th man. Expect a re-shuffle of the Raiders backline. In other news, David Shillington has signed a two-year deal with the Gold Coast from next season while a big performance from Josh Papalii could result in a Queensland Origin jersey for game three.
Eels v Dragons (7:30pm AEST)
Not named, but don't be shocked to see Anthony Watmough (shoulder) run out against Saints on Saturday night. The injury-depleted Eels need all the help they can get and Watmough's experience would prove invaluable.=
Saints have endured one of their toughest weeks of the season, with training reduced to virtually one run on Friday. Origin stars Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin have been given the entire week off to rest, with Dugan a legitimate chance to miss the match all together. Jason Nightingale and Peter Matauita are in doubt after finishing with injuries on Monday night. Mitch Rein (suspended) is also out.
Sun: Roosters v Titans (2:00pm AEST)
Michael Jennings is back after serving a one-week suspension for his off-field misdemeanour. Sam Moa also returns from suspension to force Isaac Liu to lock.
A shock call is on the cards from coach Neil Henry who is toying with the idea of playing sensation James Roberts at halfback due to the club's halves crisis. Named halfback Daniel Mortimer would shift to hooker. Ryan James (shoulder) and Nate Myles (foot) are all battling injury.
Wests Tigers v Panthers (4:00pm AEST)
Robbie Farah (shoulder) is pushing to play back at Leichhardt, but will be assessed a final time at the team captain's run on Saturday. The loss to injury of David Nofoaluma (knee) will see Delouise Hoeter start in the centres.
Josh Mansour (knee) makes his comeback to help offset the loss of James Segeyaro (knee). Bryce Cartwright has held his starting position after a five-star performance last weekend against the Dogs
Mon: Bulldogs v Storm (7:00pm AEST)
Des Hasler has named Trent Hodkinson at halfback after he was rested last weekend against Penrith. Josh Reynolds has been dropped back to the bench. The one-week suspension of Josh Jackson will see giant rookie Shaun Lane start the match.
Cooper Cronk is pushing to make a comeback from his knee injury just in time for Origin III. A final decision on his fitness will be made on Sunday.
