D-day looms for Hunt and Verrills in Anzac bid

Dragons captain Ben Hunt could make a return from a broken leg in Sunday's Anzac Day clash against the Roosters after being included in their 21-man squad on Tuesday.

The news looks just as promising for Roosters premiership-winner Sam Verrills, who has been named to start at hooker for the Tricolours after recent knee surgery. 

Hunt and Verills are among a host of stars who have been included in extended squads this week with Sharks halfback Shaun Johnson and Panthers duo Api Koroisau and Dylan Edwards also nearing returns.

Hunt has missed the past three weeks of the Telstra Premiership after scans revealed he played with a leg fracture until the 71st minute in the side's round three win over the Sea Eagles.

The 31-year-old avoided surgery last month and is on track to make a remarkable recovery in time for the annual blockbuster at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"I've run a couple of times this week and it's pulled up a bit sore but I'll have another hit-out on Wednesday and if that all goes good I'll be right to go," Hunt told NRL.com.

"I can't wait to get back out there. The Anzac game is a huge occasion and special day for Australia and New Zealand. You don't play in much bigger for a normal round game than on Anzac Day.

"Hook (Griffin) has got the boys playing well and the biggest thing is their willingness to work hard for their mates and do all the little things. Everyone lifts to another level."

Hunt's potential return could leave Griffin with a decision to make around the make-up of his halves and bench after last week's 20-14 loss to the Warriors.

Verrills' return is a huge boost for the injury-hit Roosters with the classy No.9 named to play his first game since suffering an ACL injury in round seven last year.

Verrills has been rushed straight into the starting side despite initial fears he would be sidelined for a further month after complications around his troublesome knee.

Meanwhile, Cleary has included Koroisau and Edwards in his 21-man squad to play the Knights on Thursday night in a move that could bring late changes. 

Cleary has also named Paul Momirovski, who will plead his case at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night in a bid to seek a downgrade for a dangerous contact charge.

For the Knights, coach Adam O'Brien has recalled Starford To'a to the backline with Hymel Hunt out of the side's clash due to a hamstring injury.

In other team news, the Raiders will be without inspirational leader Josh Hodgson for at least a fortnight after he picked up a calf injury against the Eels.

Hodgson will be joined on the sidelines by winger Bailey Simonsson as a precaution after suffering a concussion last week.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has also reacted to last week's loss with Josh Papalii benched and Joseph Tapine dropping out of the 17 altogether.

Stuart has finally recalled Corey Harawira-Naera and Corey Horsburgh to the line-up after the pair were punished for their off-season incidents last month.

Last week's opponents, Parramatta, have named Ryan Matterson to make a return from concussion via reserve grade this weekend.

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