Warriors v Wests Tigers
Warriors: Should be 1-17, with playmaker Thomas Leuluai back from injured to replace Feleti Mateo (knee) on the bench. Skipper Simon Mannering (virus) is expected to take his place.
Wests Tigers: A calf strain is not expected to stop captain Robbie Farah taking his place at hooker. Chris Lawrence is back in the centres after overcoming a hamstring injury, taking the place of Tim Simona (concussion).
Eels v Panthers
Eels: Kelepi Tanginoa has played Holden Cup for the Eels, with his NRL replacement confirmed as debutant Pauli Pauli. Chris Sandow replaces Luke Kelly at halfback, Ken Sio takes the spot of Vai Toutai on the wing, Joseph Paulo is starting at lock for the injured Ben Smith (finger) and prop Mitch Allgood has been added to the bench.
Panthers: Penrith’s first-choice halfback Peter Wallace is again out injured (groin), replaced by Isaac John. Back-rower Sika Manu, coming off shoulder surgery, has made the bench at the expense of prop Tim Grant.
Bulldogs v Storm
Bulldogs: Chase Stanley has returned from a cork to replace Drury Low on the wing. Low and Moses Mbye will drop off the bench. Remarkably, four internationals - Krisnan Inu, Sam Kasiano, Greg Eastwood and Reni Maitua – will play NSW Cup for the Bulldogs this weekend.
Storm: Captain Cameron Smith is a huge late omission for the Storm with back problems, with Tohu Harris starting and Tim Glasby on the bench. Mitch Garbutt is a late inclusion for his first NRL game of 2014, joining the bench at the expense of George Rose. Bench prop Jordan McLean will play ahead of a judiciary hearing into the tackle that injured Alex McKinnon.
Bulldogs: Chase Stanley has returned from a cork to replace Drury Low on the wing. Low and Moses Mbye will drop off the bench. Remarkably, four internationals - Krisnan Inu, Sam Kasiano, Greg Eastwood and Reni Maitua – will play NSW Cup for the Bulldogs this weekend.
Storm: Captain Cameron Smith is a huge late omission for the Storm with back problems, with Tohu Harris starting and Tim Glasby on the bench. Mitch Garbutt is a late inclusion for his first NRL game of 2014, joining the bench at the expense of George Rose. Bench prop Jordan McLean will play ahead of a judiciary hearing into the tackle that injured Alex McKinnon.
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Rabbitohs: The serious shoulder injury to Issac Luke will see Apisai Koroisau debut at hooker. Fellow young rake Cameron McInnes was not named for lower grade duty and reportedly trained with the NRL team yesterday, but it is not thought he will play. Kirisome Auva’a and Nathaniel Neale are set to drop from an extended bench. Greg Inglis has been named at fullback despite a head knock last Friday, while five-eighth Dylan Walker and back-rower Chris McQueen will return from ankle injuries. Ben Te’o has been shifted to the bench and Luke Burgess dropped to NSW Cup.
Raiders: No changes expected. Shaun Fensom returns from suspension at lock and Bill Tupou will replace Edrick Lee on the wing after his season-ending foot injury.
Knights v Sharks
Knights: Gun fullback Darius Boyd is rated a chance to return from a hamstring injury, having completed part of a ballwork session yesterday. Forward Korbin Sims joins the bench after a grave injury to Alex McKinnon. The No.16 worn by McKinnon when he was hurt against Melbourne has been retired for the season, with David Fa’alogo to play in jersey No.18 on Sunday.
Sharks: No changes expected, with Test prop Andrew Fifita rejoining the starting side after a two-game suspension. Nathan Stapleton will play on the wing for Sosaiai Feki (knee) and Tupou Sopoaga is set to drop off the bench.
Titans v Cowboys
Titans: Five-eighth Aidan Sezer is still in doubt due to the quad injury that saw him sit out last round. His omission would trigger a similar team shuffle to last weekend, with Ash Harrison pushed to five-eighth, Nate Myles into the back-row and prop Ryan James into the 17 after he was named in jersey No.18. Fullback William Zillman is out with a hamstring injury, sending David Med to No.1 and Anthony Don to a wing spot in No.20. Ben Ridge is set to drop from the bench.
Cowboys: Should be 1-17, having named an unchanged squad.
PLAYED
Roosters v Sea Eagles
Roosters: The premiers are unchanged for the grand final rematch, with Siosiua Taukeiaho dropping off the bench.
Sea Eagles: Kieran Foran returns from a calf injury. James Hasson is out with a virus, with Tom Symonds replacing him on the bench.
Dragons v Broncos
Dragons: Jack Stockwell starts at prop, with Dan Hunt out with a knee injury. Star fullback Josh Dugan (knee) is another week away.
Broncos: No changes, with Josh McGuire back from suspension, Martin Kennedy pushed to the bench and David Hala dropping out of the 17.
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