Fri: Sea Eagles v Bulldogs
The Sea Eagles could make a late change on their bench with Justin Horo tipped to come into the side. A win over the Bulldogs would prove a further pressure reliever for coach Geoff Toovey.
The Dogs are reporting a clean bill of health after their dominant victory over Parramatta. Lloyd Perrett, the younger brother of Sam Perrett, has been named 18th man suggesting he is not far away from a call-up.
Fri: Broncos v Cowboys
Wayne Bennett will stick with the same 17 that took care of the Sharks last weekend.
The Cowboys are hungry to collect their first win of the season, but they may have to do so without Justin O'Neill (concussion) who is in doubt. Able replacement Tautau Moga is in stand-by. Ben Hannant (groin) will be given up until kick-off to prove his fitness.
Sat: Warriors v Eels
Their first home game of the season, you'd have to expect the Warriors will be pumped to put on a show for their home fans after commencing the year on the road to Newcastle and Canberra. Bouyed by their gutsy win in the Nation's Capital, the Warriors only have one concern and its fairly major with half Shaun Johnson hoping to overcome an arm injury. With rest and rehabilitation, club officials are backing the playmaker to be fit for kick-off.
Hammered by injury, the Eels will take a spare-parts team to Parramatta. Of the player's named, halfback Chris Sandow and Anthony Watmough are the two Eels coach Brad Arthur will give up until kick-off to prove their fitness. Sandow is yet to train a session with a foot injury, while Watmough has a deep cut on his knee, that risks infection. Both players will travel to New Zealand before being assessed again on game-day. Interesting to learn Richie Fa'aoso will also fly to Auckland
Sat: Raiders v Dragons
Without Jack Wighton (eye socket) and Jeremy Hawkins (suspended), Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was sweating on the fitness of Jordan Rapana (hamstring) who missed last Sunday night's loss to New Zealand. Passing a fitness test on Wednesday, Rapana will fill the void of Wighton in the no1 jumper.
With Josh Dugan (foot) at least a fortnight away from a comeback, Dragons coach Paul McGregor will pull a selection wildcard out on Saturday when stand-in captain Jason Nightingale takes over at fullback. Heavy concussion suffered last Monday night has ruled Peter Matu'atia out from retaining the no1 jumper. Boom 20s centre Euan Aitken is also tipped to make his NRL debut with Dane Neilsen battling a shoulder injury.
Sat: Storm v Sharks
Melbourne received a shot in the arm when Dale Finucane was found not guilty by the NRL judiciary for a dangerous contact charge on Wednesday night. Will Chambers (concussion) has also shown no indication at training this week, that he won't line-up in the centres. Word out of Melbourne this week was the defensive training the Storm players were forced to endure last Tuesday under the stern eye of Craig Bellamy was one of the heaviest seen in some time.
Luke Lewis only needs to survive the Sharks final ballwork session on Friday at Shark Park to be passed fit to play. Lewis' return would prove a timely boost for the winless Sharks. The Test forward has worked hard to overcome a knee injury suffered in pre-season and his return would be his first match since round 21 last year. Chris Heighington (back) has hardly trained and is in doubt after copping a heavy hit off the ball against Brisbane. There is mail Shane Flanagan could make late changes to his programmed side.
Sun: Rabbitohs v Tigers
A huge blow for the Bunnies with former captain John Sutton out for the next 4-6 weeks with a broken jaw. Sutton's omission will cause a re-shuffle of Michael Maguire's backrow with Chris Grevsmuhl expected to star the match. Of concern also is bench forward Ben Lowe, who must overcome a back injury prior to Saturday's final session. The bench make-over could also see former Penrith forward Tim Grant make his debut with the club.
The Tigers are in good shape after their dominant win over St George-Illawarra last Monday. Given a lighter week to overcome any bruises, the most pressing concern revolves around impressive young forward Matt Lodge, who has a leg issue. If ruled out, Lamar Liolevave would come into the side.
Sun: Titans v Knights
Expect a fired-up a Gold Coast outfit with the return of Greg Bird, Dave Taylor and Beau Falloon all set to play despite facing drugs charges. Their return while controversial will aid the Titans search for their first victory of the season no end.
Knights coach Rick Stone has added Tyler Randall to his squad after the promising hooker missed last weekend's tough win over the Cowboys. Sione Mata'utia has been named 18th man.
Mon: Roosters v Panthers
Still two more training sessions for the Roosters to get through before Monday night's clash with coach Trent Robinson to declare the final make-up of his side on Sunday. What we do know is, bench forward Martin Kennedy (suspended) is out after being dealt an infraction notice by ASADA for alleged performance-enhancing drug use.
A big blow for the Panthers with five-eighth and general Jamie Soward requiring back surgery on Tuesday, forcing him to the sidelines for the next 4 to 6 weeks. Isaac John, who has impressed in NSW Cup, will get his chance in Soward's absence. Soward's loss has been offset by the exciting return of Josh Mansour from a shoulder reconstruction.
