Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell is set to take the field in Thursday night's blockbuster clash against premiers Penrith, despite carrying a knee injury which has hampered him at training this week.
The star No.1 was huge for the Rabbitohs in their opening-round victory against the Sharks, scoring 11 of their 27 points and setting up a try, and will be an even more important figure in Round 2 given his side have lost frontline forwards Tevita Tatola (head knock) and Jai Arrow (hamstring).
Over at archrivals the Roosters, Joey Manu will return from the facial fracture he suffered during the pre-season and form what shapes as a potent centre pairing with Joseph Suaali'i for the clash with the Warriors.
Fullback Reece Walsh meanwhile is a huge in for the Broncos ahead of them taking on the Cowboys in the local derby, with the 20-year-old having recovered from his own facial fracture which kept him out of Round 1.
After playing a leading role in the Titans' first-up win over the Wests Tigers, Kiwi international Kieran Foran has been named in the No.6 jersey again, but remains in some doubt after a knee injury forced him from the field midway through the second half in Round 1.
Foran talks about his injury
Reigning Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes will remain sidelined for at least another week with a calf injury, as the Sharks travel to play the Eels in a bid to avoid starting their season 0-2.
After playing the second half of his side's golden point victory over the Eels with a compound fracture to his ring finger, Cameron Munster is out and replaced by the versatile Tyran Wishart, with NSW U-19 playmaker Jonah Pezet named in the reserves for now.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has resisted swinging the axe after his side's heavy defeat to the Sea Eagles in Round 1, and his named an unchanged line-up which includes rookies Jacob Preston and Jayden Tanner on the bench.