MORE: NRL Casualty Ward | Preview: Bulldogs v Tigers | Ask The Lurker - Thursday | Bulldog's Bite - DCE, Foran take different paths
Fri: Bulldogs v Tigers
A blow to the Bulldogs potency out wide with Josh Morris (ankle) ruled out after he was named on Tuesday. Expect Moses Mbye to once again facilitate the left centre position. One boost for the Dogs is the return of Sam Kasiano, back from suspension. All the focus will be on NSW halves Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson, who have been under heavy fire from the critics despite taking care of Manly last Friday night.
The Tigers dream run without injury continues with Jason Taylor in a position to name the same 17 for yet another week, with the positive inclusion of promising forward Matt Lodge onto the bench. Dogs coach Des Hasler says his side are expecting a fired-up Tigers outfit after their capitualtion against Canberra last Sunday.
Sat: Warriors v Titans
He was once regarded as one of the most fearsome ball-runners in the NRL, but Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell has been axed to the NSW Cup with David Fusitu'a named in the backline. Talented forward Sam Rapira will stiffen up the Warriors pack, after being named to play his first game of the 2015 season. Worth noting that in-form halfback Chad Townsend can seal a City Origin jumper with another strong performance here.
Major changes to the Titans line-up and you wonder if the strong form of the boys from the Coast, might be about to plateau. Out of the side are Dave Taylor (suspension), Agnatius Paasi (ankle) and Ryan Simpkins (knee). Coach Neil Henry has named captain Nate Myles (calf) to return, but he remains in doubt while Eddy Pettybourne and Mark Ioane have been named. Ioane is a direct cover for Myles, should he fail a fitness test.
Sat: Knights v Cowboys
Not convinced the 17 named by Rick Stone will start this match after he said this week. "Whether we play the same team, only time will tell,’ he said. Having lost their past three matches, pressure is at breaking point for Stone to make a change in his halves with Tyrone Roberts failing to impress this season.
No injury concerns to speak of for the Cowboys with Paul Green adding Ray Thompson to his extended bench suggesting he may get the nod over fellow hooker/half Rory Kostjaysen.
Sat: Roosters v Dragons
The match of the round on Anzac Day. A significant blow for the Roosters with Jared Warea-Hargreaves (pectoral) out for at least the next month with Sam Moa (suspension) named in the front-row. Coach Trent Robinson has handed bench hooker Matt McIllwrick a reprieve after being dropped last week.
The table-topping Dragons will put the finishing touches to their preperations on Friday. The ony concern is Jake Marketo (concussion), however club officials are confident he will take his place in an un-changed line-up.
Sat: Storm v Sea Eagles
The question is, will Billy Slater play? Expected to be sidelined for a month with a shoulder injury, Slater is pushing to return after just two weeks out. With the Australian team to be chosen on Sunday, don't be shocked to see Slater return. Cooper Cronk (flu) and his cover Ben Hampton (hamstring) failed to train on Wednesday.
Last on the ladder and attempting to avoid the wooden spoon for the first time in the club's history, Manly will be boosted by the significant return of Kiwi Test half Kieran Foran - that is, if he plays. Despite being named Foran remain in doubt and must pass a fitness test on his injured hamstring before flying to Melbourne. There is also mail eminating out of the peninsula that Brett Stewart (groin) could be a late inclusion. With Jamie Lyon (ankle) out, Brayden Wiliame has been named in the centres.
Sat: Broncos v Eels
Still no Justin Hodges or Jordan Kahu (both hamstrngs) for the Broncos while Alex Glenn's facial injury will see Sam Thaiday shif from the front-row to the back-row. There is some mail that Kahu is still a chance to be a late inclusion. Promising forward Jarrod Wallace has also been named to return from suspension.
Don't be shocked to see the huge inclusion of winger Semi Radradra (knee), who despite not being named has been in full-training and is close to a return. Concern remains for Richie Fa'aoso (concussion) with Darcy Lussick named to return after being dropped last week.
Sun: Panthers v Sharks
More bad news for the injury-ravaged Panthers with captain and hooker James Segeyaro out for the next month with an elbow injury. Will Smith, who was named on the bench, is set to come into the run-on side with five-eighth Api Koroisau tipped to move into the hooking role for Segeyaro. Elijah Taylor (knee) has been named but remains in doubt. George Jennings replaces Test winger Josh Mansour (knee) on the wing.
Still no Andrew (suspended) or David Fifita (leg) for the Sharks while despite being named captain Paul Gallen (hip) is next to no chance of playing. Sam Tagataese, who is struggling for form, will replace Gallen.
Sun: Rabbitohs v Raiders
Still no John Sutton (jaw) or Adam Reynolds (knee) for the Bunnies with Cameron McInnes to partner Luke Keary in the halves. Glenn Stewart returns to the backrow.
With Dane Tilse flying to the UK to take up a contract in the UK Super League, Paul Vaughan has been shifted from the back to front row. Work horse and Supercoach favourite Shaun Fensom (ankle) has also been named to make a return.
