MORE: Ask the Lurker - Thursday | Footy Forum Ferals: DCE, doctors and Fergo | NRL crimes - Things you can't forgive | Preview: Bulldogs v Rabbitohs
Fri: Bulldogs v Rabbitohs
Is this the 2015 grand final seven months early? It has all the makings of an extra special Good Friday clash. The return of NSW Origin five-eighth Josh Reynolds is a luxury most coaches would kill for, but at the Dogs, coach Des Hasler has been forced to bench in-form rookie Moses Mbye to make way for Reynolds. The rumours that Reynolds is on the outer, just wont go away - so he will need a big game here. In a massive boosts for the Bulldogs Brett Morris has passed a fitness test on his injured calf and will line up at full-back.
How difficult is it tipping against the Bunnies on Easter weekend, especially when the premiers are smarting after last week's loss to Parramatta? South Sydney will start favourites with no fresh injury concerns, but if they're serious about finishing with the chocolates on Friday, they will need to win the forward battle against a huge Bulldogs pack.
Fri: Titans v Broncos
The Titans got out of jail against Cronulla in round four and even more important was the fact they came through with not only their first win of the season, but injury-free. The only change is the loss to suspension of hooker Beau Falloon, however talented hooker Kierran Moseley has been named to return after missing last week's match with a calf injury.
Wayne Bennett has been forced to perform major surgery to his backline with fullback Jordan Kahu breaking down at training with a hamstring injury on Thursday. Having already lost Justin Hodges (hamstring) for the match, Bennett has called out-of-favour Daniel Vidot - who has been playing prop in the QLD Cup - into the side and onto the wing with for the Broncos, while Lachlan Maranta will move to fullback. Also missing on Friday night is Adam Blair (quad). Meanwhile, great news for Darius Boyd, his recovery from an achillies injury is progressing perfectly with Test star eyeing a round nine return.
Sat: Sea Eagles v Raiders
A massive injury crisis for Manly, but beware the wounded Sea Eagle. Jamie Lyon (groin), Feleti Mateo (ankle), Josh Starling (knee), Brenton Lawrence (back), Blake Leary (back), Jorge Taufua (knee) are all unavailable, while Steve Matai (elbow) and Willie Mason (virus) are in doubt for the Albury clash.
Ricky Stuart has swung the axe, dropping halfback Mitch Cornish to reserve grade, promoting Sam Williams into the no7 jumper - his first match for the Green Machine since 2013. Don't be surprised to see winger Sisa Waqa rushed back into the side after missing last week's loss to the Roosters with a knee injury. He travelled with the Green Machine to Albury.
Sat: Knights v Dragons
Unbeaten are the Knights who have joined with the Dragons in a fitting tribute on Saturday by playing for the inagural Alex McKinnon Cup. McKinnon will be on hand to provide a final word of inspiration to his tam-mates prior to kick-off. Keep a close eye on the long-awaited club debut of former North Queensland back-rower Tariq Sims.
The Dragons strength over the past two weeks has been the consistency in their squad selection with no major positional changes from their wins over Canberra and Manly. This weekend is no different with no late changes expected and Nathan Green travelling as the 18th man.
Sun: Roosters v Sharks
A forced change from coach Trent Robinson with gun centre Blake Ferguson undergoing surgery on an ankle injury suffered in last week's hammering of Canberra. Shaun Kenny-Dowall shifts from the wing to centre with Nene Macdonald called onto the wing to make his season debut. Jared Waerea Hargreaves (calf) has also been named, but is far from 100 per cent.
The desperate Sharks have made significant changes with Valentine Holmes named at fullback, forcing Michael Gordon to the wing. Perhaps the most crucial selection is Jack Bird at five-eighth, who made his debut in the centres in promising fashion last weekend. Jayson Bukuya (head knock) failed to train on Wednesday, but isn't deemed to be in any doubt.
Mon: Eels v Tigers
The promising John Folau moves from wing to centre with the loss of Brad Takairangi for one week after copping a one week suspension for a dangerous throw. Still on Takairangi, expect him to sign a new two-year deal with the club over the next 48-hours. The Eels are confident of welcoming back Tepai Moeroa, who missed last weekend's win over South Sydney due to a leg infection.
A couple of big inclusions for the Tigers with Aaron Woods and Pat Richards named to return after missing last weekend's heartbreaking one-point loss to Canterbury. Woods still has one more session to get through before being given the green light by Tigers officials.
Mon: Storm v Warriors
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has stuck with the same 17 that were run down in dramatic fashion in Townsville last Monday night. The seven-day turnaround and returning home to AAMI Park will assist their preparation. 
The Warriors hit the road after back-to-back home games, but don't write them off against the Storm, who they have shared some tremendous battles with in the past. The Warriors are reporting no late changes with Ngani Laumape replacing Ben Henry (knee) who is out for the season.
Mon: Panthers v Cowboys
The Panthers will be boosted by the return of James Segeyaro, who missed last week's loss to Newcastle with a facial cut. Still no Jamie Soward, while five-eighth Isaac John is also set to be a late omission with ball-playing forward Bryce Cartwright set to once again join Peter Wallace in the halves, as was the case last weekend.
Why change a winning formula? Proving his squad comes through unscathed in their final session on Sunday, Cowboys coach Paul Green is expected to run with the same 17 that overcame Melbourne last Monday night.
