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Fri: Sea Eagles v Tigers @ Brookvale Oval (7.45pm AEST)
With Jamie Lyon out for at least the next three weeks, gun rookie Tom Trbojevic has been named on the wing for the Sea Eagles. On the recruitment front, the mail is increasingly likely that Greg Bird will be at Brookvale in 2016.
Sweating on the fitness of Origin stars Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah, the Tigers are looking to build on their smashing of Souths last Friday. Given his battle to overcome a shoulder injury for Origin II, it's unlikely Farah will back-up 48-hours after representing NSW in Melbourne. Sauaso Sue (shoulder) is unavailable for selection due to injury.
Sat: Raiders v Cowboys @ GIO Stadium (3.00pm AEST)
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart will resist the urge to rush mid-season recruit from Newcastle, centre BJ Leilua, straight into the side.
Johnathan Thurston has been named despite needing to get through Origin II, which is also the case for Matt Scott, James Tamou and Michael Morgan. Scott has been plagued by a calf problem, so don't be shocked if he's a late omission for the Cowboys.
Titans v Warriors @ Cbus Super Stadium (5.30pm AEST)
Don't be shocked to see mid-season Knights recruit Chad Redman force his way onto the bench for the Titans with hooker Kierran Moseley (knee) out.
Still no Sam Tomkins (knee) for the Warriors while Jacob Lillyman and Ryan Hoffman must get through Origin II unscathed to be available for Saturday night's match on the Gold Coast.
Bulldogs v Panthers @ ANZ Stadium (7:30pm AEST)
Des Hasler must take his fans for fools, naming his side without any of his Origin players including Trent Hodkinson, David Klemmer, Josh and Brett Morris and Josh Jackson. Expect plenty of late changes.
It will be confirmed by the Penrith club in due course, but take it as read Brent Kite has played his last NRL game after undergoing shoulder surgery last week. Expect an announcement within the coming days. Jamie Soward is in serious doubt with a knee and shoulder problem. Tyrone Peachey will start in the halves if Soward is a late omission. In a major boost, Josh Mansour has been named to make his comeback from injury.
Sun: Knights v Sharks @ Hunter Stadium (2:00pm AEST)
A huge blow for Newcastle as they attempt to restore pride back into their fast evaporating 2015 season with half Jarrod Mullen ruled out for the season. Expect an announcement within days that Mullen has aborted plans to push through the pain barrier of a toe injury. The Knights will be boosted by the return of Tyrone Roberts and Robbie Rochow back from injury.
Still no Ben Barba for the Sharks, who is out with broken ribs, while just when he was beginning to show form, Blake Ayshford has been deemed unavailable for selection due to a back injury. Able replacement Ricky Leutele makes his comeback from a shoulder injury for Ayshford. Skipper Paul Gallen also needs to get through Origin II.
Storm v Broncos @ AAMI Park (4.00pm AEST)
Next to no chance that Billy Slater will back-up from Origin II with the real threat of shoulder surgery after Wednesday night will end his season. Cameron Smith and Will Chambers have been named but will be checked after appearing to come through Origin II unscathed.
Expect a host of late changes to Wayne Bennett's side with Darius Boyd, Justin Hodges, Josh McGuire, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday all certain starters providing they survive injury from Origin II.
Mon: Dragons v Roosters @ Allianz Stadium (7:00pm AEST)
Joel Thompson is out with a knee injury which will see the promotion of off-contract backrower Will Matthews. After being told he wasn't wanted, Matthews has impressed in recent weeks to force a change of mind from Saints officials, who are now preparing to table him an offer for next season.
There could be changes to the Roosters side with Michael Jennings, Mitchell Pearce, Boyd Cordner and Aidan Guerra all involved in Origin II.
