Big names return for heavyweight Panthers-Rabbitohs battle
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South Sydney and Penrith have welcomed back a host of big names for Friday night's battle for second spot at Suncorp Stadium.
The Rabbitohs have named Dane Gagai, Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham to return from injuries in a major boost for a side looking to avenge the 56-12 loss to the Panthers in Dubbo earlier this year.
Their returns come at the expense of Taane Milne, Braidon Burns and Jaxson Paulo. That trio featured in last week's 30-point win over the Titans.
Penrith have turned to representative stars of their own with Api Koroisau and Kurt Capewell returning from suspensions while James Fisher-Harris and Tevita Pangai jnr are listed in the reserves.
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Pangai jnr returned to training with this week following compassionate leave and could be a late inclusion for Ivan Cleary, along with Fisher-Harris who has completed a 14-day quarantine.
Competition leaders Melbourne, who are two points in front of the Rabbitohs and Panthers, have rested several players for their clash with the Titans.
Storm hooker Brandon Smith and centre Justin Olam will have a week off while Jahrome Hughes and Dale Finucane have also been sidelined following head knocks.
Ryan Papenhuyzen will start at fullback with Nicho Hynes partnering Cameron Munster in the halves while George Jennings returns to the wing after overcoming a knee injury.
The Titans have lost Moeaki Fotuaika (knee) and AJ Brimson (jaw) for the clash with Melbourne in a blow to their finals chances.
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In other team news, Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler has named Tom Trbojevic despite the star fullback being in doubt with a cheekbone injury.
Moses Suli replaces Brad Parker (concussion) in the centres while Trbojevic will be given a chance to prove his fitness to take on the Raiders.
The Green Machine have left out skipper Jarrod Croker after he failed a HIA last week with Sebastian Kris to start in the centres.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is also a chance of being a late inclusion after being named in the reserves.
Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has recalled departing fullback Matt Dufty to the starting side for Sunday's clash against the Roosters.
Dufty hasn't played for a month after falling out of favour with the Dragons but earns a reprieve this week with Jack Bird shifting to the centres at the expense of Gerard Beale.
Knights prop David Klemmer will start at prop and Brodie Jones in the second row after Origin representatives Daniel Saifiti (knee) and Tyson Frizell (suspension) were ruled out this week.
