A horror round for injuries last week has resulted in a number of sides scrambling to replace their stars.
However, it isn't all doom and gloom with Brisbane welcoming back talisman Reece Walsh and the Dolphins boosted by the inclusion of a key forward.
A number of coaches have resisted the urge to wield the axe after disappointing losses, while Jason Demetriou has made some massive changes to his struggling South Sydney side.
The Sporting News provides all the latest team news for NRL Round 6.
MORE: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
Newcastle Knights vs. Sydney Roosters
Thursday, April 11 at McDonald Jones Stadium (7.50pm)
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Tom Jenkins
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Enari Tuala
6. Jack Cogger
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Adam Elliott
14. Phoenix Crossland
15. Daniel Saifiti
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Mat Croker
18. Jed Cartwright
19. Brodie Jones
20. Tyson Gamble
21. Will Pryce
22. Greg Marzhew
Knights team news:
Tom Jenkins could be replaced on the wing, with Greg Marzhew a chance to return from a wrist injury after being included in the extended squad.
Jack Cogger and Jackson Hastings combined in the halves successfully last week in the win over the Dragons and have been named once again.
Dylan Lucas covered for Tyson Frizell and has kept his spot in the backrower's continued absence due to a hamstring injury.
Sydney confirmed team:
1. Joey Manu
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Michael Jennings
4. Joseph Suaalii
5. Fetalaiga Pauga
6. Connor Watson
7. Luke Keary
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Nat Butcher
12. Angus Crichton
13. Victor Radley
14. Zach Dockar-Clay
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Sitili Tupouniua
17. Terrell May
18. Egan Butcher
19. Lewis Murphy
20. Benaiah Ioelu
21. Hugo Savala
22. Siua Wong
Roosters team news:
James Tedesco copped a brutal head knock during his side's loss to the Dogs and will miss this week. Joey Manu has taken his No.1 jersey with Michael Jennings starting in the centres in what will be his 300th appearance.
Dom Young has accepted a two-match ban for a high shot and will be replaced on the wing by Fetalaiga Pauga.
Luke Keary has shifted to halfback in Sam Walker's absence after the young gun was ruled out of last week's match with concussion. Connor Watson filled in at five-eighth and has been given the nod again.
Nat Butcher was ruled out last week with Sitili Tupouniua taking his spot in the backrow, with the former now returning to the starting side.
Zach Dockar-Clay has been named on the pine to act as the utility in what will be his first game for the Roosters, with Egan Butcher back to the reserves.
Melbourne Storm vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
Friday, April 12 at AAMI Park (6.00pm)
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Christian Welch
16. Tepai Moeroa
17. Alec MacDonald
18. Joe Chan
19. Jack Howarth
20. Marion Seve
21. Jonah Pezet
22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Storm team news:
Cameron Munster made a successful return from injury last week and will start at five-eighth after getting through unscathed against the Broncos.
Shawn Blore started ahead of Joe Chan last week as the latter recovers from a hand injury. Blore was impressive on the edge and has kept his spot in the side, with Chan listed as 18th man.
Jack Howarth was promoted to the pine last week in a late swap with Tepai Moeroa, but the latter has been named on the bench again.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been included in the reserves and may be a late addition to the 17.
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Stephen Crichton
2. Connor Tracey
3. Jacob Kiraz
4. Bronson Xerri
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Matt Burton
7. Drew Hutchison
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Chris Patolo
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Josh Curran
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Bailey Hayward
15. Poasa Faamausili
16. Sam Hughes
17. Kitione Kautoga
19. Toby Sexton
20. Liam Knight
21. Jake Turpin
22. Jeral Skelton
23. Harry Hayes
Bulldogs team news:
Cameron Ciraldo has been forced to count the cost of Canterbury's win over the Roosters with a host of injuries weighing heavily upon the side.
Blake Taaffe copped a head knock last week and will miss this Friday night's meeting with the Storm. Star recruit Stephen Crichton filled in at fullback against the Chooks and has been named to start there.
Blake Wilson was a late scratching last week due to illness and remains out with Connor Tracey named despite being under his own injury cloud. Fellow winger Josh Addo-Carr has been named to start on the other wing.
Bronson Xerri was a late addition in the centres due to Wilson's absence and will keep his spot in the team due to Crichton's positional switch.
Max King picked up a wrist injury and is in doubt to play in Round 6, while Chris Patolo has also been named despite picking up a shoulder complaint last week.
Poasa Faamausili is back on deck, with debutant Bailey Hayward also included on the pine.
There were fears Viliame Kikau had picked up a leg injury, but the big Fijian is in line to play, where he will be joined in the backrow by Josh Curran.
However, it's not such good news for Kurt Mann, who will be sidelined with a fractured hand.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Dolphins
Friday, April 12 at Suncorp Stadium (8.00pm)
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Selwyn Cobbo
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ezra Mam
7. Jock Madden
8. Corey Jensen
9. Billy Walters
10. Fletcher Baker
11. Jaiyden Hunt
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Xavier Willison
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Tristan Sailor
18. Martin Taupau
19. Benjamin Te Kura
20. Jordan Pereira
21. Blake Mozer
22. Josiah Karapani
Broncos team news:
Brisbane have been handed a major boost with Reece Walsh named to return early from a facial fracture. The star's inclusion pushes Tristan Sailor back to the bench.
Deine Mariner is facing some time on the sidelines with a back injury which has opened up a spot on the wing for veteran Corey Oates.
Adam Reynolds picked up a hamstring injury and will be sidelined for at least a few weeks. Jock Madden will cover for him at halfback.
Payne Haas and Brendan Piakura are still out with Fletcher Baker and Jaiyden Hunt to continue in the side.
Xavier Willison was ruled out last week with a head knock and returns with Benjamin Te Kura dropping to the reserves.
In a late blow, Jordan Riki is in doubt after hurting his ankle at training. If the backrower is ruled out, Pat Carrigan is likely to shift to an edge, Kobe Hetherington promoted to the starting side and Te Kura added to the pine.
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Tesi Niu
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Tom Flegler
11. Kenny Bromwich
12. Euan Aitken
13. Ray Stone
14. Josh Kerr
15. Anthony Milford
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Jarrod Wallace
18. Oryn Keeley
19. Sean O'Sullivan
20. Mason Teague
21. Valynce Te Whare
22. Lachlan Hubner
Dolphins team news:
Herbie Farnworth copped a shoulder injury last week that is fortunately not as bad as first feared. The England international has been replaced in the centres by Tesi Niu though.
Tom Flegler also picked up a shoulder issue in the win over the Tigers but is expected to line up against his former club.
Felise Kaufusi was the third injury stemming from last week's game with the veteran suffering a hamstring issue. He has been replaced in the backrow by Kenny Bromwich.
Connelly Lemuelu will work his way back to fitness after not being included in the extended squad.
Ray Stone was named to start at lock last week before a late change saw him drop to the bench and Bromwich replace him. He will start in the No.13 jersey this week.
Kurt Donoghoe is banned for two weeks for a high shot and his spot on the bench has been taken by Jarrod Wallace.
Anthony Milford is a surprise inclusion in the 17 with the veteran playmaker set to make his first appearance of the seasons against his former side.
New Zealand Warriors vs. Manly Sea Eagles
Saturday, April 13 at Go Media Stadium (3.00pm)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Jackson Ford
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Tohu Harris
14. Chanel Harris-Tavita
15. Tom Ale
16. Jazz Tevaga
17. Jacob Laban
18. Adam Pompey
20. Taine Tuaupiki
21. Zyon Maiu'u
22. Edward Kosi
23. Ali Leiataua
Warriors team news:
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is back on deck after missing last week with a hamstring complaint. His return sees Roger Tuivasa-Sheck return to the centres with Adam Pompey dropping out.
Kurt Capewell is also back after missing last week due to concussion protocols. He will push Mitch Barnett back to prop while Bunty Afoa is out with a hamstring injury.
Chanel Harris-Tavita keeps his place on the bench, with Dylan Walker sidelined with an ankle injury, and Freddy Lussick facing a suspension from his tackle on Lachlan Ilias in the NSW Cup.
Last week's debutant Jacob Laban is retained in the 17.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Tommy Talau
3. Tolu Koula
4. Ben Trbojevic
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Josh Aloiai
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Corey Waddell
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Karl Lawton
15. Ethan Bullemor
16. Toafofoa Sipley
17. Nathan Brown
18. Jake Arthur
19. Aaron Woods
20. Brad Parker
21. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega
22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Sea Eagles team news:
After their impressive win over Penrith, Anthony Seibold has made just the one change which has been enforced.
Reuben Garrick copped a head knock just minutes into the win and was ruled out which will also see him miss this week.
Ben Trbojevic has been moved into the centres with Corey Waddell promoted into the starting side. Ethan Bullemor is the new addition.
There is still no sign of Josh Schuster.
Parramatta Eels vs. North Queensland Cowboys
Saturday, April 13 at CommBank Stadium (5.30pm)
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Will Penisini
4. Morgan Harper
5. Sean Russell
6. Daejarn Asi
7. Dylan Brown
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Joey Lussick
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Luca Moretti
15. Ryan Matterson
16. Joe Ofahengaue
17. Kelma Tuilagi
18. Ofahiki Ogden
19. Blaize Talagi
20. Wiremu Greig
21. Makahesi Makatoa
22. Maika Sivo
Eels team news:
After suffering a second straight loss in Mitch Moses' absence, Brad Arthur has decided to shake things up with Blaize Talagi replaced at five-eighth by Daejarn Asi.
There is also no room in the side for Maika Sivo, who has been replaced on the wing by Bailey Simonsson, while Morgan Harper comes in at centre.
Bryce Cartwright has returned in the backrow to push Ryan Matterson to the bench, while Wiremu Greig drops out of the 17.
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Tom Chester
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Jake Granville
15. Griffin Neame
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Jack Gosiewski
18. Jake Clifford
19. Thomas Mikaele
20. Semi Valemei
21. Jamal Shibasaki
22. Viliami Vailea
Cowboys team news:
Zac Laybutt's serious knee injury has opened the door for an opportunity in North Queensland's backline. Tom Chester has been given the first crack at it in an otherwise unchanged outfit.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Cronulla Sharks
Saturday, April 14 at Accor Stadium (7.35pm)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Tyrone Munro
3. Jack Wighton
4. Isaiah Tass
5. Taane Milne
6. Cody Walker
7. Dean Hawkins
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Tom Burgess
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jacob Host
13. Cam Murray
14. Michael Chee Kam
15. Siliva Havili
16. Shaq Mitchell
17. Davvy Moale
18. Damien Cook
19. Jacob Gagai
20. Sean Keppie
21. Tallis Duncan
22. Dion Teaupa
Rabbitohs team news:
South Sydney's horror start to the season continued last week with a heavy loss to the Warriors. And to make matters worse, Latrell Mitchell will now be sidelined for three weeks due to suspension.
Jason Demetriou has elected to hand Jye Gray his debut in the No.1 jersey.
Tyrone Munro is also scheduled to return from injury and could add some much-needed pace to the backline with Izaac Thompson missing out.
Dean Hawkins will remain in the No.7 jersey this season with Lachlan Ilias suffering a serious leg injury while playing in NSW Cup.
In another major change, Peter Mamouzelos will start at hooker with Damien Cook relegated to 18th man.
Shaq Mitchell is available after missing last week with a head knock. The forward replaces Sean Keppie on the pine.
Davvy Moale and Siliva Havili have also been added to the 17. Tallis Duncan drops out.
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Thomas Hazelton
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cam McInnes
14. Billy Burns
15. Jack Williams
16. Siosifa Talakai
17. Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha
18. Daniel Atkinson
19. Jayden Berrell
20. Toby Rudolf
21. Samuel Stonestreet
22. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Sharks team news:
Fresh off the bye, the Sharks will welcome Briton Nikora back to the fold after he served his suspension.
Nikora's return pushes Siosifa Talakai back to the bench while Kayal Iro remains in the centres and Daniel Atkison drops out of the side.
Cronulla have been plagued by injuries to their forwards this season, although Toby Rudolf and Braden Hamlin-Uele could be late additions after being included in the extended squad.
Wests Tigers vs. St George Illawarra Dragons
Sunday, April 14 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium (4.05pm)
Wests confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Justin Olam
5. Junior Tupou
6. Bud Sullivan
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Fonua Pole
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Alex Twal
16. Justin Matamua
17. Asu Kepaoa
18. Solomon Alaimalo
19. Josh Feledy
20. Tony Sukkar
21. Kit Laulilii
22.Brandon Tumeth
Tigers team news:
Lachlan Galvin still has one game to serve of his suspension, so Bud Sullivan will remain at five-eighth.
John Bateman and Samuela Fainu failed their HIA's last week and will be out for the clash against the Dragons.
Alex Seyfarth gets the start in the backrow, with his spot on the pine taken by Asu Kepaoa. Fainu has been replaced by Justin Matamua.
Skipper Api Koroisau battled through the loss to the Dolphins but is expected to be fine for this week.
Although there is cover for him on the bench with Jake Simpkin replacing the injured Latu Fainu.
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Zac Lomax
3. Moses Suli
4. Jack Bird
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Hame Sele
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Tom Eisenhuth
14. Jesse Marschke
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Jack de Belin
17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
18. Ben Murdoch-Masila
19. Christian Tuipulotu
20. Michael Molo
21. Toby Couchman
22. Mathew Feagai
Dragons team news:
Shane Flanagan has resisted the urge to swing the axe this week despite being unimpressed with his side during their loss to the Knights.
Tyrell Sloan was moved from the fullback spot mid-game after the coach wasn't happy with his defensive efforts, but he retains the spot ahead of Zac Lomax.
Jack Bird limped off with a knee injury against the Knights but has been named to play in the centres.
In the only change, Hame Sele starts up front with Jack de Belin switching to the bench and Michael Molo dropping out of the 17.
Canberra Raiders vs. Gold Coast Titans
Sunday, April 14 at GIO Stadium (6.15pm)
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Chevy Stewart
2. James Schiller
3. Matt Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Danny Levi
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Tom Starling
15. Ata Mariota
16. Trey Mooney
17. Pasami Saulo
18. Kaeo Weekes
19. Simi Sasagi
20. Zac Woolford
21. Nick Cotric
22. Emre Guler
Raiders team news;
After a comprehensive win over the Eels, Ricky Stuart has made just three changes, with two of them injury enforced.
Jordan Rapana suffered a knee injury with Chevy Stewart named to debut at fullback in his absence.
Zac Hosking will be back on deck after missing last week due to a head knock and slots into the starting side ahead of Ata Mariota. Hosking's inclusion sees Simi Sasagi drop off the bench.
Corey Horsburgh picked up an abdominal strain and has been ruled out with Trey Mooney included on the bench.
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. Jayden Campbell
2. Harley Smith-Shields
3. Brian Kelly
4. AJ Brimson
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Chris Randall
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
11. David Fifita
12. Beau Fermor
13. Klese Haas
14. Sam Verrills
15. Erin Clark
16. Isaac Liu
17. Josiah Pahulu
18. Joe Stimson
19. Keano Kini
20. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui
21. Tony Francis
22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Titans team news:
Still chasing his first win, Des Hasler has decided to stick strong with last week's side bar one change.
Isaac Liu returns from concussion which results in Joe Stimson dropping to 18th man.