With a lengthened Anzac Round in the rear-view mirror following two close affairs on Tuesday, the attention of the rugby league world turned to Round 9.
Brisbane were without star duo Payne Haas and Ezra Mam due to suspension for their clash with the Rabbitohs, while experienced winger Corey Oates was also sidelined with a knee injury.
Old rivals Canterbury and St George Illawarra both looked to bounce back to form in a must-win clash on Sunday afternoon, with Kyle Flanagan axed.
Here's all the team news from Round 9.
NRL ROUND 9 RESULTS
CRONULLA SHARKS 44 - 6 NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Thursday 27th April, Shark Park (7.50pm)
Sharks confirmed team:
1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Siosifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Matt Moylan
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Oregon Kaufusi
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Braden Hamlin-Uele
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Wade Graham
15. Jack Williams
16. Royce Hunt
17. Thomas Hazelton
18. Braydon Trindall
Sharks team news:
No changes following the victory over Canterbury, with experienced forward Dale Finucane (suspension) still another week away from a return.
Cowboys confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Peta Hiku
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Coen Hess
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Jeremiah Nanai
15. Jake Granville
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Tom Chester
16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
17. Mitch Dunn
18. Riley Price
Cowboys team news:
No changes for the Cowboys following their win over Newcastle, with the likes of Heilum Luki (hamstring) and Jason Taumalolo (knee) both sidelined for another week or two.
Todd Payten has once again made a late switch though with Reuben Cotter moving back to the bench and Jake Granville starting.
PARRAMATTA EELS 43 - 12 NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Friday 28th April, CommBank Stadium (6pm)
Eels confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Haze Dunster
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Wiremu Greig
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
14. Bryce Cartwright
13. J'maine Hopgood
15. Brendan Hands
16. Matt Doorey
17. Makahesi Makatoa
20. Ofahiki Ogden
18. Jake Arthur
Eels team news:
Reagan Campbell-Gillard (groin) is sidelined after picking up a nasty injury against the Broncos. Makahesi Makatoa joins the bench, while Wiremu Greig has been named in the starting lineup.
Bailey Simonsson (concussion) will miss at least a week, opening the door for Haze Dunster to grab the vacant spot in the backline.
Knights confirmed team:
1. Lachlan Miller
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Kalyn Ponga
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Daniel Saifiti
13. Kurt Mann
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
16. Mat Croker
9. Phoenix Crossland
14. Tyson Gamble
15. Jacob Saifiti
17. Jack Hetherington
18. Simi Sasagi
Knights team news:
Kalyn Ponga came off the bench in his return in Round 8, but has been named to start at five-eighth for this clash.
Adam Elliott (groin) is still another fortnight away from returning to the side.
BRISBANE BRONCOS 6 - 32 SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Friday 28th April, Suncorp Stadium (8pm)
Broncos confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jesse Arthars
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Jock Madden
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Tom Flegler
9. Billy Walters
10. Keenan Palasia
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Cory Paix
15. Corey Jensen
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Martin Taupau
18. Deine Mariner
Broncos team news:
Payne Haas and Ezra Mam have both accepted one-game bans after being charged over hip-drop tackles against the Eels. Keenan Palasia and Jock Madden will come into the starting side.
Corey Oates (knee) is set to miss the next month with a PCL injury, opening the door for Jesse Arthars to take his spot on the wing.
Rabbitohs confirmed team:
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Campbell Graham
5. Taane Milne
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Jai Arrow
11. Michael Chee Kam
12. Jacob Host
13. Cameron Murray
14. Jed Cartwright
15. Davvy Moale
16. Hame Sele
17. Thomas Burgess
19. Blake Taaffe
Rabbitohs team news:
Tevita Tatola (knee) has been named to return, which sees Daniel Suluka-Fifita drop out of the side in the only change for Souths.
Izaac Thompson (knee) remains sidelined due to injury.
CANBERRA RAIDERS 31 - 30 DOLPHINS
Saturday 29th April, McDonalds Park (3pm)
Raiders confirmed team:
1. Sebastian Kris
2. Albert Hopoate
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Matt Timoko
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Corey Harawira-Naera
18. James Schiller
Raiders team news:
Jordan Rapana (head knock) will replace Nick Cotric (hamstring) on the wing in the only change for Canberra following their Round 8 bye.
Xavier Savage (jaw) is closing in on a return from injury after starring in the NSW Cup.
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Euan Aitken
4. Brenko Lee
5. Robert Jennings
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Kenny Bromwich
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Tom Gilbert
14. Jarrod Wallace
16. Ray Stone
17. Herman Ese'ese
18. Kurt Donoghoe
19. Poasa Faamausili
Dolphins team news:
Kenny Bromwich (suspension) has been named to return in the front-row, pushing Herman Ese'ese to the bench.
Kurt Donoghoe has been named as a late replacement for Mark Nicholls who has succumb to a thumb injury.
MANLY SEA EAGLES 10 - 26 GOLD COAST TITANS
Saturday 29th April, Brookvale Oval (5.30pm)
Sea Eagles confirmed team:
19. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jason Saab
3. Reuben Garrick
4. Morgan Harper
5. Christian Tuipolotu
6. Cooper Johns
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Jake Trbojevic
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Kelma Tuilagi
13. Josh Aloiai
14. Karl Lawton
15. Ethan Bullemor
16. Sean Keppie
17. Toafofoa Sipley
20. Samuela Fainu
Sea Eagles team news:
Tom Trbojevic (groin) was initially named at fullback but was ruled out on Friday morning. Kaeo Weekes will slot into the fullback role for the Sea Eagles.
Josh Schuster (quad) has been left out of the side, with Cooper Johns taking over the five-eighth role. Brad Parker (knee) has been ruled out, allowing Reuben Garrick to move into the centres and Christian Tuipolotu (knee) to return on the wing.
Meanwhile, second-rower Kelma Tuilagi (head knock) and Karl Lawton (shoulder) will both return to the side.
Titans confirmed team:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Jojo Fifita
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Chris Randall
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. David Fifita
12. Joe Stimson
13. Isaac Liu
14. Jayden Campbell
15. Erin Clark
16. Klese Haas
17. Joe Vuna
18. Kruise Leeming
Titans team news:
Kruise Leeming and Thomas Mikaele have both been dropped from the side following the loss to the Dolphins.
PENRITH PANTHERS 8 - 12 WESTS TIGERS
Saturday 29th April, Carrington Park (7.35pm)
Panthers confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Tyrone Peachey
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian To'o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Matthew Eisenhuth
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Zac Hosking
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Soni Luke
15. Lindsay Smith
17. Jaeman Salmon
22. Liam Henry
18. Luke Garner
Panthers team news:
Nathan Cleary (groin) was in doubt for Saturday night's clash but will play.
Izack Tago (pectoral) has been ruled out for the next six weeks, opening the door for Tyrone Peachey to line up in the centres. Sunia Turuva (ankle) has been cleared to play and will remain in the side on the wing.
Liam Henry has come onto the bench in place of Spencer Leniu, who misses out through injury.
James Fisher-Harris (knee) is at least another week away from a return.
Tigers confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Starford To'a
4. Brent Naden
5. Junior Tupou
6. Brandon Wakeham
7. Luke Brooks
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Joe Ofahengaue
16. Alex Twal
17. Tommy Talau
18. Justin Matamua
Tigers team news:
David Nofoaluma and Brent Naden have both been recalled to the backline, with Starford To'a and Charlie Staines dropping out.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 0-14 SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Sunday 30th April, Mt Smart Stadium (2pm)
Warriors confirmed team:
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Marcelo Montoya
4. Adam Pompey
17. Viliami Vailea
5. Edward Kosi
6. Dylan Walker
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Bunty Afoa
11. Jackson Ford
12. Marata Niukore
13. Josh Curran
14. Freddy Lussick
15. Bayley Sironen
16. Tom Ale
18. Demitric Sifakula
22. Kalani Going
Warriors team news:
Tohu Harris (knee), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (head knock) and Jazz Tevaga (leg) have all been ruled out with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak filling in at fullback after Taine Tuaupiki was initially named but later ruled out with a leg injury.
Marcelo Montoya shifts over to the wing as a result with Viliami Vailea coming into the starting side at centre.
Kalani Going has been added to the bench with the rookie joined by the likes of Freddy Lussick and Tom Ale.
Dylan Walker was facing a two-game suspension but has successfully downgraded the charge at the judiciary to take his place at five-eighth.
Roosters confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Corey Allan
3. Joseph Suaalii
4. Paul Momirovski
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Joey Manu
7. Luke Keary
10. Lindsay Collins
9. Brandon Smith
17. Matt Lodge
11. Egan Butcher
12. Nat Butcher
13. Victor Radley
14. Drew Hutchison
15. Angus Crichton
16. Sitili Tupouniua
18. Fletcher Baker
19. Sam Walker
Roosters team news:
Daniel Tupou (hamstring) has been sidelined following the Anzac Day victory over the Dragons, with Corey Allan taking his place on the wing.
Nat Butcher (suspension) will return in the back-row, pushing Angus Crichton to the bench.
Meanwhile, the Roosters got hit with a massive blow with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ruled out 24 hours before kick off. Matt Lodge takes his place in the starting side, while Fletcher Baker is added to the bench.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 16 - 18 CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Sunday 30th April, WIN Stadium (4.05pm)
Dragons confirmed team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mat Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Max Feagai
6. Talatau Amone
7. Ben Hunt
8. Michael Molo
9. Moses Mbye
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Ben Murdoch-Masila
12. Jack Bird
13. Jack De Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Jaiyden Hunt
16. Toby Couchman
17. Josh Kerr
19. Jayden Sullivan
20. Billy Burns
Dragons team news:
Tautau Moga (shoulder) picked up an injury during the narrow loss to the Roosters, which opens the door for Max Feagai to play his first game of the season.
No other changes at this stage for the struggling Red V outfit.
Bulldogs confirmed team:
1. Hayze Perham
2. Declan Casey
3. Jake Averillo
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Braidon Burns
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Matt Burton
10. Tevita Pangai Junior
9. Reed Mahoney
25. Harrison Edwards
11. Corey Waddell
12. Jacob Preston
13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
14. Kurtis Morrin
15. Jayden Okunbor
16. Samuel Hughes
20. Karl Oloapu
19. Fa'amanu Brown
21. Reece Hoffman
Bulldogs team news:
Karl Oloapu will make his NRL debut off the bench after being brought in to replace Ryan Sutton.
Max King (ribs) has been ruled out in the latest major blow for the club with Harrison Edwards named to replace him at prop.
Kyle Flanagan has been axed, with Josh Reynolds moving into the starting side at five-eighth.
