A nightmare run of injuries has caused disarray across the competition heading into Magic Round.
Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic were struck down by hamstring issues which is set to sideline the duo for up to two months.
Gold Coast paid a heavy price for their victory over North Queensland with four starters set for stints in the casualty ward, while the New Zealand Warriors are also trying to manage an extensive injury list.
NRL NEWS: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
It's not all bad news though with Nicho Hynes back on deck for Cronulla, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is also set to return from injury.
Meanwhile, Haumole Olakau'atu and Izack Tago have served their suspensions and will return to their sides.
Wests Tigers 12-24 Dolphins
Sunday, May 19 at Suncorp Stadium (6.25pm)
Wests confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Brent Naden
4. Justin Olam
5. Solomon Alaimalo
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Bud Sullivan
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Samuela Fainu
16. Asu Kepaoa
13. Alex Twal
12. Alex Seyfarth
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Fonua Pole
17. Sione Fainu
18. Tallyn Da Silva
Tigers team news:
Solomon Alaimalo has received a recall in the backline, with Starford To'a set for another sideline stint after sustaining a hamstring injury against the Knights.
John Bateman suffered a pec injury last week and Isaiah Papali’i has been banned for a trip, which has forced a major shuffle in the backrow.
Alex Twal takes over at lock, while Asu Kepaoa starts on an edge after initially being named on the bench.
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Euan Aitken
17. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Kenny Bromwich
10. Mark Nicholls
14. Josh Kerr
15. Kurt Donoghoe
16. Ray Stone
18. Trai Fuller
Dolphins team news:
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns to the side after missing the past month with a hamstring injury. His inclusion has bumped Trai Fuller to 18th man.
Kenny Bromwich will start at lock after spending a week in the reserves, with Max Plath ruled out due to a head knock.
MAGIC ROUND RESULTS, SCORES
Canberra Raiders 24-20 Canterbury Bulldogs
Friday, May 17 at Suncorp Stadium (6.00pm AEST)
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Jordan Rapana
2. Nick Cotric
3. Matt Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Kaeo Weekes
10. Joseph Tapine
9. Danny Levi
17. Emre Guler
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies
8. Josh Papalii
14. Tom Starling
15. Ata Mariota
16. Trey Mooney
18. Albert Hopoate
Raiders team news:
Jordan Rapana is set to return from a knee injury and has replaced Albert Hopoate at fullback. Hopoate has moved to 18th man with Nick Cotric keeping his spot on the wing.
Pasami Saulo and Corey Horsburgh remain sidelined through injury.
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Matt Burton
7. Drew Hutchison
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
15. Josh Curran
13. Kurt Mann
14. Bailey Hayward
16. Kurtis Morrin
17. Jacob Preston
19. Poasa Faamausili
20. Blake Taaffe
Bulldogs team news:
Cameron Ciraldo has named an unchanged side with Connor Tracey returning from injury last week to bump Blake Taaffe out of the 17.
Jacob Preston has started from the bench for the past two weeks as he is eased back into things following his recovery from a fractured jaw.
Manly Sea Eagles 12-13 Brisbane Broncos
Friday, May 17 at Suncorp Stadium (8.05pm)
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tolu Koula
2. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega
3. Tommy Talau
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Karl Lawton
10. Josh Aloiai
11. Haumole Olakau'atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
15. Corey Waddell
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Matthew Lodge
18. Aaron Woods
Sea Eagles team news:
Tom Trbojevic is out for an extended period after suffering a hamstring injury in a massive blow to Manly and New South Wales. Tolu Koula will replace him at fullback.
In the re-shuffle, Tommy Talau has shifted into the centres and Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega and Jaxson Paulo have been called into the backline with Jason Saab also injured.
Haumole Olakau'atu returns from suspension in the backrow, pushing Corey Waddell to the bench and Tof Sipley out of the 17.
Lachlan Croker remains out after suffering a head knock in Round 9, so Karl Lawton keeps his spot at hooker, with Gordon Chan Kum Tong remaining on the bench with Nathan Brown still out injured.
Brisbane confirmed team:
4. Selwyn Cobbo
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
21. Josiah Karapani
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Jock Madden
8. Corey Jensen
9. Tyson Smoothy
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Blake Mozer
15. Xavier Willison
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Jack Gosiewski
18. Josh Rogers
Broncos team news:
In a massive blow, Reece Walsh has been ruled out of the game with knee soreness. Selwyn Cobbo will reportedly start at fullback in his absence with Josiah Karapani to debut in the centres.
Josh Rogers has been replaced by Jock Madden in the halves with the latter set to return from a pec injury which ruled him out last week.
Billy Walters has been ruled out for the clash after suffering a wrist issue in Round 10. He has been replaced by Tyson Smoothy in the starting side, with Blake Mozer named on the interchange.
Gold Coast Titans 24-28 Newcastle Knights
Saturday, May 18 at Suncorp Stadium (3.00pm)
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. Keano Kini
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Aaron Schoupp
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Chris Randall
18. Tom Weaver
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
7. Sam Verrills
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
11. David Fifita
12. Beau Fermor
13. Klese Haas
9. Erin Clark
14. Keenan Palasia
15. Isaac Liu
16. Josiah Pahulu
19. Tony Francis
Titans team news:
The Gold Coast are battling with a horror injury toll heading into Magic Round after four players sustained injuries during their win over the Cowboys last week.
Phillip Sami and Harley Smith-Shields failed to finish the match, with Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Aaron Schoupp to replace the duo.
AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran also suffered injured with the duo replaced in the halves by Chris Randall and Sam Verrills.
Erin Clark will start at dummy-half. as a result of the re-shuffle.
Keenan Palasia has returned from a quad injury and will take his place on the pine alongside the recalled Joe Stimson.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. David Armstrong
2. Enari Tuala
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Jack Cogger
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
12. Dylan Lucas
15. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Adam Elliott
11. Tyson Frizell
14. Phoenix Crossland
16. Brodie Jones
17. Jack Hetherington
18. Mat Croker
Knights team news:
Bradman Best, Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell are all reportedly in doubt for the match after suffering leg injuries last week but have been named to start.
Tyson Gamble suffered a broken foot in Round 10 and has been replaced at five-eighth by Jack Cogger.
Kai Pearce-Paul was shifted to the bench last week and remains in that role with Dylan Lucas given the nod once again.
Jacob Saifiti was a late withdrawal last week due to an ankle injury, but he is back on deck for Magic Round.
Daniel Saifiti will miss this week though after being banned for a high shot.
Cronulla Sharks 38-30 Sydney Roosters
Saturday, May 18 at Suncorp Stadium (5.30pm)
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Daniel Atkinson
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Thomas Hazelton
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cam McInnes
14. Jack Williams
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Royce Hunt
17. Tuku Hau Tapuha
19. Mawene Hiroti
Sharks team news:
Nicho Hynes was a late withdrawal last week due to a calf complaint although he will start in Magic Round.
Blayke Brailey returns to hooker, Cam McInnes reverts to lock, and Jack Williams drops out of the starting side, as a result of his inclusion.
Tuku Hau Tapuha maintains his spot on the bench following the side's impressive win over Melbourne with Braden Hamlin-Uele dropping out.
Braydon Trindall has been included in the extended squad after missing the past two games due to off-field issues.
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Joseph Suaalii
4. Fetalaiga Pauga
5. Dom Young
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
14. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Nat Butcher
13. Victor Radley
9. Brandon Smith
15. Egan Butcher
16. Spencer Leniu
17. Terrell May
18. Zach Dockar-Clay
Roosters team news:
In a big blow for the Roosters, Joey Manu has been sidelined with Fetalaiga Pauga starting in his absence.
Brandon Smith is set to return from a calf complaint that sidelined him last week. Connor Watson has returned to the bench and Sandon Smith, who copped a one-match ban, has dropped out.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 22-28 North Queensland Cowboys
Saturday, May 18 at Suncorp Stadium (7.45pm)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Izaac Thompson
5. Jacob Gagai
6. Cody Walker
7. Dion Teaupa
8. Davvy Moale
9. Damien Cook
10. Sean Keppie
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Siliva Havili
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Tallis Duncan
16. Tom Burgess
17. Taane Milne
18. Gehamat Shibasaki
19. Matthew French
20. Adam Christensen
21. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
22. Liam Le Blanc
Rabbitohs team news:
Gehamat Shibasaki has been replaced on the wing by the returning Alex Johnston, who only just failed to recover from a hamstring injury last week.
Jacob Gagai will start on the opposite flank, with Izaac Thompson shifting to the wing and Michael Chee Kam dropping out of the side.
Matt French has also dropped out of the side to accommodate for the return of Taane Milne, who has served his suspension.
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Villiami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Griffin Neame
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
17. Jason Taumalolo
18. Jake Granville
19. Jake Clifford
20. Harrison Edwards
21. Braidon Burns
22. Jaxon Purdue
Cowboys team news:
The Cowboys are on a nightmare five-game losing streak with Todd Payten facing a tough task to turn his side around.
Murray Taulagi is set to return from a hamstring issue and has replaced Semi Valemei on the wing.
Jordan McLean was a late withdrawal last week due to a hamstring injury but is back on deck for Magic Round. Thomas Mikaele goes back to the bench and Harrison Edwards drops out of the 17.
Heilum Luki was promoted to the starting side ahead of Kulikefu Finefeuiaki last week and has kept his spot.
New Zealand Warriors 22-20 Penrith Panthers
Sunday, May 19 at Suncorp Stadium (1.50pm)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
7. Te Maire Martin
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Bunty Afoa
11. Jackson Ford
12. Mitch Barnett
14. Dylan Walker
15. Tom Ale
16. Jazz Tevaga
17. Jacob Laban
21. Paul Roache
18. Zyon Maiu'u
Warriors team news:
Some major changes for the Warriors with Taine Tuaupiki named at fullback and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moving into the halves to cover for Shaun Johnson's absence.
Ali Leiataua starts in the centres with Rocco Berry out of the side, while Marcelo Montoya has been recalled after being dropped to NSW Cup last week.
Jacob Laban joins the bench with Freddy Lussick ruled out due to a head knock, while Paul Roache has also been added to the pine with the withdrawal of captain Tohu Harris.
Adam Pompey retains his spot in the centres with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck set to be sidelined for a few more weeks, with Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore and Chanel Harris-Tavita likely to return around the same time.
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
18. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To'o
6. Jack Cole
7. Jarome Luai
15. Lindsay Smith
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Luke Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
8. Moses Leota
16. Matt Eisenhuth
20. Tyrone Peachey
22. Scott Sorensen
17. Mavrik Geyer
Panthers team news:
Izack Tago returns from suspension and replaces Paul Alamoti in the centres. Although Alamoti has returned to the side after Taylan May was stood down by the club.
In a major blow to Penrith, Nathan Cleary is set to be out for up to two months after suffering another hamstring injury.
His replacement, Brad Schneider, was also injured on the same night when he went down with a knee issue in the NSW Cup.
Jarome Luai shifts to halfback with Jack Cole to start at five-eighth.
Matt Eisenhuth joins the bench as Liam Henry drops out, while Scott Sorensen and Tyrone Peachey also come in as Mavrik Geyer and Daine Laurie drop out.
In a late switch, Lindsay Smith will start up front with Moses Leota dropping to the interchange.
Melbourne Storm 48-16 Parramatta Eels
Sunday, May 19 at Suncorp Stadium (4.05pm)
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Sua Fa'alogo
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Christian Welch
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
15. Tui Kamikamica
13. Trent Loiero
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
17. Alec MacDonald
18. Grant Anderson
20. Bronson Garlick
Storm team news:
Harry Grant was found not guilty following his dangerous contact charge and is free to play.
Xavier Coates is set to return from a hamstring injury and replaces Grant Anderson on the wing.
Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes remain sidelined with injuries with Sua Fa'alogo and Tyran Wishart to continue in their absences.
In a late change, Tiu Kamikamica will start at lock with Trent Loiero moving to the bench and Jack Howarth dropping out of the side.
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Blaize Talagi
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Bailey Simonsson
6. Daejarn Asi
7. Dylan Brown
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Joey Lussick
16. Joe Ofahengaue
11. Shaun Lane
14. Bryce Cartwright
13. J’maine Hopgood
10. Junior Paulo
15. Makahesi Makatoa
17. Kelma Tuilagi
22. Luca Moretti
18. Brendan Hands
Eels team news:
Mitch Moses was reportedly set to return from a long-term foot injury in a massive boost for the Eels. However, it has since emerged his return has been put on ice for at least another week.
Dylan Brown continues at halfback although he will have a new halves partner with Daejarn Asi given the nod ahead of Ethan Sanders.
Bryce Cartwright returns from a rib injury to take his spot in the side and will start with Ryan Matterson ruled out. Luca Moretti has been added to the bench as a result.
