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Fri: Sharks v Knights
As expected young gun Jack Bird has retained the five-eighth position despite the return from suspension of Ben Barba. Barba has been named to make his return from the interchange bench. Jayson Bukuya returns from being rested last week due to concussion and his selection could prove timely with Luke Lewis (knee) in doubt. Also, watch for Michael Ennis to wear headgear for perhaps the first time in his career after requiring six stitches to a nasty head cut against the Roosters.
The Knights have lost Origin backrower and defensive enforcer Beau Scott (ankle) for at least the next fortnight, which no doubt the Sharks kickers will be pleased about. Scott's omission has been offset by the return of Korbin Sims from suspension while pressure is mounting on halfback Tyrone Roberts, with plenty of talk from inside the Knights camp about his inconsistent form.
Fri: Broncos v Roosters
Despite not being named Justin Hodges (hamstring) and Adam Blair (cork) could be late inclusions, with the pair training confidently at Red Hill on Monday. Jordan Kahu (hamstring) isn't considered a chance, however Darius Boyd (achillies) continues to progress in his comeback bid with a round nine return a genuine possibility.
Is Jake Friend about to make his long-awaited comeback with his surgically-repaired shoulder? Why else would he fly to Brisbane. A fitness test today will be the final box for Friend to tick, with Roosters officials quietly confident they'll get their gun hooker back for Friday night footy. A boost also for the out-of-sorts Roosters with prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (calf) named and confident of playing after missing last week's upset loss to the Sharks. Mitchell Aubusson, one of the Roosters best this year, will replace Aiden Guerra (broken jaw).
Sat: Eels v Titans
Reece Robinson (calf) returns for the Eels after his late omission last Monday against the Tigers, while Ryan Morgan has also been named despite being knocked out last week. Two players not named who could make shock returns are Brad Takairangi and Richie Fa'aoso, watch this space.
Neil Henry has stuck with the same 17 that went down to Brisbane last weekend with Kane Elgey retaining his halfback jumper. Interestingly, keep an eye on the performance of both five-eighths in the match. Titans pivot Aidan Sezer is being shopped to club in Sydney, while Eels half Corey Norman has been heavily linked to the Gold Coast.
Sat: Warriors v Tigers
Still no Sam Tomkins for the Warriors and given his shock decision to quit the NRL and return home to the UK at the end of this season, it will be interesting to see if he is overlooked for long-term Warriors prospect Tuimoala Lolohea in the future.
Brimming with confidence after the run-away win over Parramatta, the Tigers have made just one change and it's on their bench with 18th man Asiplei Fine named ahead Brendan Santi.
Sat: Panthers v Sea Eagles
Penrith's casualty ward continues to grow with Dean Whare (hamstring) the latest Panther to be sidelined through injury. The talented Waqa Blake replaces Whare, while regular hooker Api Koroisau has been named to play five-eighth in the continued absence of Jamie Soward (back).
Manly's stocks aren't much better with first-choice centres Jamie Lyon (groin) and Steve Matai (shoulder) still sidelined. Hot young talent Tom Trbojevic retains his wing spot.
Sun: Raiders v Storm
Just one forced change for Raiders coach Ricky Stuart with Jordan Rapana unavailable due to suspension. Jeremy Hawkins comes onto the wing. The combination of halves Blake Austin and Sam Williams was a highlight last weekend, overshadowing Manly's Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans. This week they face another acid test - undoing Test half Cooper Cronk. Shannon Boyd (shoulder) is another week away. 
A massive injury blow for the Storm with Billy Slater ruled out for a month with a shoulder injury. Melbourne have a poor strike rate without the Test fullback. The mail suggests the highly promising Cameron Munster will replace Slater at the back. And although he wasn't named, expect Young Tonumaipea to figure in Melbourne's final 17.
Sun: Dragons v Bulldogs
Don't rule out the return of captain Ben Creagh who has not played since round one after suffering a back injury. There is concern for Tyson Frizzell with a leg injury, so the return of the Dragons veteran forward could prove timely.
Depleted by injury and suspension, the Bulldogs have moved Sam Perrett to fulback, Moses Mbye to centre and Tim Browne into the front row for the loss of Brett Morris (hamstring), David Klemmer (suspension), Sam Kasiano (suspension) and Tim Lafai (ankle). Former Test forward Antonio Kaufusi has also been named on the Dogs bench.
Mon: Rabbitoths v Cowboys
Will John Sutton play - or won't he? All will be revealed at a South Sydney fitness test on Friday, when Sutton attempts to make his comeback from a broken jaw and just in time to fill the void left by injured playmaker Adam Reynolds. Greg Inglis is also a chance to play five-eighth with Alex Johnston shifting to fullback. Still no Dylan Walker for the Bunnies, who is also out with a broken hand.
The Cowboys have injury concerns of their own with wingers Antonio Winterstein and Matt Wright both hobbling badly following last Monday night's win over Penrith.
