The team changes and injury news and rumours heading into the ninth round of the 2015 Telstra Premiership season.
Slater returns: Official Round 9 team lists
NRL casualty ward: Round 9
Broncos v Panthers
Broncos: Darius Boyd got through a training run on Thursday and is a confirmed starter, returning a lot earlier than first planned from an Achilles injury. It will spark a shift in the Broncos line-up with Jordan Kahu expected to move to the wing and Corey Oates to the bench.
Panthers: Jamie Soward travelled with the team and is a likely inclusion, although he will still be subject to how his back complaint pulls up, while Elijah Taylor could also make a return from a knee injury. Matt Moylan remains in doubt with a hand injury and could be a late scratching. None of Dean Whare, James Segeyaro, Peter Wallace or Josh Mansour will return this week.
Roosters v Wests Tigers
Roosters: No changes expected, with Aidan Guerra and Mitchell Aubusson returning to the side as named.
Wests Tigers: No changes expected, as Keith Galloway returns at prop.
Raiders v Titans
Raiders: No changes expected for Canberra.
Titans: No changes expected. Daniel Mortimer will spend time at dummy-half off the bench in his return to the Titans side.
Sharks v Warriors
Sharks: Cronulla will trim one player from the bench, but otherwise should be as per program with Ben Barba starting at fullback for the first time this season.
Warriors: Sam Rapira could be set to drop out of the Warriors side, with Albert Vete to take the final spot on the bench. Sam Tomkins is at least another week away from returning from his knee injury.
Cowboys v Bulldogs
Cowboys: Could be some changes with three hookers named in the team, with one of Ray Thompson or Rory Kostjasyn a good chance to drop off the five-man bench. Otherwise, Kostjasyn could play in the back row with Patrick Kaufusi dropping out.
Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are expected to be 1-17, with Josh Morris back in the side after recovering from his ankle injury.
Sea Eagles v Knights
Sea Eagles: Kieran Foran is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury picked up in the Anzac Test. At this stage they haven't named his replacement, although Jamie Lyon is back in the side and has won a premiership at five-eighth in 2008.
Knights: Jarrod Mullen should play, but is carrying a toe complaint that could rule him out late. If that happens, Kurt Gidley will shift to the halves and Sione Mata'utia will come into fullback in the No.18 jersey.
Eels v Storm
Eels: After a big showing in the under-20s Test, Tepai Moeroa could be a late inclusion in jersey 18.
Storm: No changes expected.
Rabbitohs v Dragons
Rabbitohs: Adam Reynolds could make a timely return for the Rabbitohs, with his absence coinciding with a noticeable slide for the reigning premiers.
Dragons: Josh Dugan could play despite being left out of St George Illawarra's team list due to a knee injury. If he does, expect either Peter Mata'utia or Eto Nabuli to drop out of the backline.
