The final round of the NRL regular season has arrived, with plenty to play for across the competition.
Some of the biggest names in rugby league won't feature in Round 27, with star halves Jarome Luai and Jahrome Hughes facing an uncertain short-term future, while Kalyn Ponga has also been ruled out.
The Roosters will be without two of their most important players for their must-win clash against the Bunnies.
Elsewhere, Brisbane, Melbourne and New Zealand Warriors have decided to rest a whole host of their stars.
The Sporting News has all the mail for Round 27 below.
NRL ROUND 27 RESULTS:
BRISBANE BRONCOS 22 - 32 MELBOURNE STORM
Thursday 31st August, Suncorp Stadium (7.50pm)
Broncos confirmed team:
1. Tristan Sailor
2. Corey Oates
3. Jesse Arthars
4. Delouise Hoeter
5. Jordan Pereira
6. Josh Rogers
7. Jock Madden
8. Tom Flegler
9. Tyson Smoothy
10. Corey Jensen
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Keenan Palasia
14. Blake Mozer
15. Cory Paix
16. Xavier Willison
17. Martin Taupau
18. Benjamin Te Kura
Broncos team news:
Mass changes for Kevin Walters with Reece Walsh, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Ezra Mam, Billy Walters, Payne Haas and Kurt Capewell all rested.
Adam Reynolds (calf) and Pat Carrigan (foot) will also miss through injury while Kotoni Staggs has been suspended for one match for an illegal shot on Jordan Rapana.
The absences will open the door for Josh Rogers to make his NRL debut in the halves, while Blake Mozer will also debut off the bench.
Tristan Sailor will once again cover for Walsh at fullback, while there is a chance for veteran Jordan Pereira, who will make his first appearance of the season on the wing.
Storm confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
5. Reimis Smith
3. Justin Olam
4. Young Tonumaipea
18. Grant Anderson
6. Jayden Nikorima
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Tariq Sims
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Tepai Moeroa
11. Chris Lewis
17. Jack Howarth
13. Josh King
14. Sualauvi Faalogo
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Aaron Pene
19. Joe Chan
21. Cole Geyer
Storm team news:
Craig Bellamy has made mass changes to his side with Nick Meaney, Marion Seve, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Christian Welch, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tui Kamikamica and Trent Loiero all rested.
Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant are also out with injuries.
Ryan Papenhuyzen will start at fullback after making his return to the NRL via the bench last week in a 20-minute cameo.
Jayden Nikorima and Tyran Wishart are the new halves paring with Jonah Pezet ruled out through injury, while Bronson Garlick will start at hooker.
Justin Olam will return to the side after spending the last month in reserve grade.
There is a debut in the offing for Sualauvi Faalogo off the bench while fellow young gun Jack Howarth will join him.
After being named Will Warbrick and Eli Katoa have dropped out of the side, with Grant Anderson moving into the backline and Joe Chan added to the side.
Chan was originally drafted in to start in the backrow, however in a late switch Howarth has moved into the starting 13 with Chan dropping back to the bench.
MANLY SEA EAGLES 54 - 12 WESTS TIGERS
Friday 1st September, Brookvale Oval (6pm)
Sea Eagles confirmed team:
1. Tolutau Koula
2. Jason Saab
3. Brad Parker
4. Morgan Harper
5. Raymond Vaega
6. Jake Arthur
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Toafofoa Sipley
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Sean Keppie
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
15. Dean Matterson
16. Aaron Woods
17. Ethan Bullemor
18. Kelma Tuilagi
Sea Eagles team news:
Just the one change for Manly after their win over Canterbury with Dean Matterson back on the bench in place of Kelma Tuilagi.
Josh Schuster remains listed in the reserves.
Tigers confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
5. Junior Tupou
3. Triston Reilly
4. Josh Feledy
14. Asu Kepaoa
6. Daine Laurie
7. Api Koroisau
8. Alex Twal
9. Jake Simpkin
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Shawn Blore
13. Justin Matamua
15. Kit Laulilii
16. Fonua Pole
17. Alex Seyfarth
18. Tallyn Da Silva
21. Aitasi James
Tigers team news:
Stefano Utoikamanu and John Bateman are out but their absences have been offset by the returns of Alex Twal (illness) and Jake Simpkin (head knock).
Luke Brooks (calf) has played his last game for the Tigers with the halfback sidelined, so Api Koroisau fills in there once again.
The Tigers will also hand out two debuts to Josh Feledy, who will start in the centres and Kit Laulilii who will come off the interchange bench.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 12 - 26 SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Friday 1st September, Accor Stadium (8pm)
Rabbitohs confirmed team:
1. Blake Taaffe
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Campbell Graham
5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Shaq Mitchell
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Michael Chee Kam
13. Cameron Murray
14. Jai Arrow
15. Tallis Duncan
16. Hame Sele
17. Davvy Moale
18. Taane Milne
Rabbitohs team news:
Latrell Mitchell will miss South Sydney’s crucial match after being issued with a one-match suspension. Jacob Host and Siliva Havili are also out, while Taane Milne drops to 18th man.
Blake Taaffe will start at fullback and Izaac Thompson has been recalled on the wing in a new-look backline.
Roosters confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
5. Joseph Suaalii
3. Billy Smith
18. Corey Allan
21. Fetalaiga Pauga
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
10. Lindsay Collins
9. Brandon Smith
15. Egan Butcher
11. Siua Wong
12. Nat Butcher
13. Victor Radley
8. Fletcher Baker
14. Sandon Smith
16. Terrell May
17. Angus Crichton
20. Drew Hutchison
Roosters team news:
James Tedesco will return from a head knock at fullback. The news isn't as positive for Joseph Manu however, with the Kiwi star ruled out due to a hamstring injury and will be replaced by Corey Allan.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is facing a lengthy suspension, with Fletcher Baker his replacement in the front-row. Angus Crichton will return via the bench after missing the win last week over the Tigers.
Meanwhile, another key Rooster has been ruled out of the vital clash with Daniel Tupou out and Fetalaiga Pauga replacing him on the wing.
DOLPHINS 34 - 10 NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Saturday 2nd September, Suncorp Stadium (3pm)
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Tesi Niu
18. Valynce Te Whare
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Harrison Graham
10. Mark Nicholls
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Kenny Bromwich
14. Jarrod Wallace
15. Isaiya Katoa
16. Max Plath
17. Herman Ese'ese
19. Mason Teague
Dolphins team news:
Two changes for the Dolphins from last week with Jesse Bromwich returning from injury. The skipper will start at prop and push Jarrod Wallace back to the bench.
Josh Kerr will miss the final game of the season for his side through suspension, with Max Plath taking his spot on the bench.
In a late change, Euan Aitken drops out of the side with Valynce Te Whare taking his spot in the centres.
Warriors confirmed team:
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Edward Kosi
3. Rocco Berry
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Ronald Volkman
8. Bunty Afoa
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Josh Curran
12. Marata Niukore
13. Dylan Walker
16. Bayley Sironen
17. Tom Ale
18. Kalani Going
23. Paul Roache
20. Jacob Laban
Warriors team news:
With a top-four spot already secured, the Warriors will rest a host of their stars in the final round of the regular season.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Shaun Johnson will be rested with their places in the backline filled by Taine Tuaupiki, Edward Kosi and Ronald Volkman.
Luke Metcalf limped from the field with a hamstring injury last week and will be replaced at five-eighth by the returning Te Maire Martin.
Tohu Harris (back), Wayde Egan and Addin Fonua-Blake also won’t feature with Dylan Wlaker starting at lock in the captain’s absence and Freddy Lussick and Mitch Barnett added to the side.
Brayden Wiliame and Jackson Ford have both dropped out with Kalani Going and Paul Roache taking their place to make their NRL debuts off the bench.
PENRITH PANTHERS 44 - 12 NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Saturday 2nd September, BlueBet Stadium (5.30pm)
Panthers confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
4. Stephen Crichton
19. Izack Tago
5. Brian To'o
6. Jack Cogger
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Luke Sommerton
10. James Fisher-Harris
12. Liam Martin
21. Luke Garner
13. Isaah Yeo
3. Tyrone Peachey
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Spencer Leniu
17. Zac Hosking
18. Jaeman Salmon
Panthers team news:
Major blow for the reigning premiers, with star five-eighth Jarome Luai (shoulder) sidelined and replaced by Jack Cogger.
Although in better news, Dylan Edwards and Sunia Turuva are back on deck.
Izack Tago has been added to the side and will make his first appearance in a month with Tyrone Peachey reverting to the bench. He will be joined there by Luke Garner who replaced Soni Luke.
Scott Sorensen will once again miss out with the backrower dropping out and Zac Hosking originally promoted to start.
However, Ivan Cleary has made a late change with Garner instead coming into the starting side with Hosking dropping back to the bench.
Cowboys confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Peta Hiku
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
15. Coen Hess
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Heilum Luki
13. Reuben Cotter
10. Jason Taumalolo
14. Jake Granville
16. Griffin Neame
17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
Cowboys team news:
An unchanged side for the Cowboys following their Round 26 victory over the Dolphins. However, the coach has made a late change with Jason Taumalolo dropping back to the bench and Coen Hess starting at prop.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 12 - 32 NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Saturday 2nd September, Kogarah Oval (7.35pm)
Dragons confirmed team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mat Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Talatau Amone
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Connor Muhleisen
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Billy Burns
12. Dan Russell
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Michael Molo
16. Ben Murdoch-Masila
17. Ryan Couchman
18. Toby Couchman
Dragons team news:
Jack de Belin returns from suspension and takes Michael Molo’s spot at lock with the latter moving back to the bench.
Sione Finau suffered an ankle injury during his debut last week and has been replaced on the wing by Mat Feagai.
Knights confirmed team:
1. Lachlan Miller
2. Dominic Young
3. Enari Tuala
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Adam Clune
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Fa'amanu Brown
16. Jack Hetherington
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Brodie Jones
13. Adam Elliott
14. Riley Jones
15. Daniel Saifiti
17. Mat Croker
19. Oryn Keeley
24. Dane Aukafolau
Knights team news:
Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out with a shoulder injury he suffered during last week’s win over the Sharks. He will be replaced at fullback by Lachlan Miller.
Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell have also been left out of the side with one eye on the finals next week with Enari Tuala and Brodie Jones drafted into the starting side.
Phoenix Crossland has also been rested with Fa'amanu Brown taking his place at hooker, while there is an NRL debut for Riley Jones.
Jones will be joined on the bench by fellow rookie Oryn Keeley after Leo Thompson dropped out of the side and Jack Hetherington was promoted to start off the interchange.
GOLD COAST TITANS 34 - 30 CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Sunday 3rd September, Cbus Super Stadium (2pm)
Titans confirmed team:
14. Keano Kini
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
1. AJ Brimson
3. Brian Kelly
4. Aaron Schoupp
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tom Weaver
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
15. Kruise Leeming
16. Joe Stimson
11. David Fifita
12. Klese Haas
13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
17. Jacob Alick
18. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui
19. Joe Vuna
21. Josiah Pahulu
Titans team news:
Moeaki Fotuaika is back after missing Round 26 due to the birth of his child, while Isaac Liu is out with a finger injury.
Jojo Fifita has been ruled out with an ankle injury leading to a backline re-shuffle, with Keano Kini moving to fullback and AJ Brimson switching to the centres.
Chris Randall has been replaced at hooker by Kruise Leeming.
Bulldogs confirmed team:
1. Hayze Perham
2. Blake Wilson
3. Jake Averillo
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Luke Thompson
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Liam Knight
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Corey Waddell
22. Ryan Sutton
13. Max King
14. Kyle Flanagan
16. Kurtis Morrin
17. Jayden Okunbor
19. Jeral Skelton
Bulldogs team news:
The absence of Tevita Pangai Jnr means he has now played his final game in the NRL after announcing his retirement from the sport earlier in the month.
Harrison Edwards is also out, with Ryan Sutton starting at lock.
CRONULLA SHARKS 24 - 6 CANBERRA RAIDERS
Sunday 3rd September, Shark Park (4.05pm)
Sharks confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Siosifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Toby Rudolf
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Braden Hamlin-Uele
11. Briton Nikora
12. Wade Graham
13. Cam McInnes
14. Jack Williams
15. Royce Hunt
16. Tom Hazelton
20. Oregon Kaufusi
18. Kayal Iro
Sharks team news:
Nicho Hynes returns to the side after missing last week with a quad injury. Braydon Trindall switches to five-eighth with Oregon Kaufusi replacing Matt Moylan in the 17.
Raiders confirmed team:
1. Jordan Rapana
2. Seb Kris
3. Jack Wighton
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Nick Cotric
6. Matt Frawley
7. Jamal Fogarty
10. Joe Tapine
9. Zac Woolford
15. Ata Mariota
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
17. Hohepa Puru
8. Emre Guler
14. Tom Starling
18. Pasami Saulo
20. Trey Mooney
19. Albert Hopoate
Raiders team news:
Josh Papalii (biceps) will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery with Joe Tapine and Ata Mariota named at prop.
Corey Horsburgh (suspension) is out, so debutant Hohepa Puru replaces him at lock.
