Billy Slater‘s State of Origin preparations have taken a hit with a key Queensland player under a mystery injury cloud.
Gun hooker Harry Grant will miss another game for Melbourne following a tough Origin II loss to the Blues last week.
The Storm released a statement on Tuesday stating he was being rested due to “a lot of bumps and bruises” following the Origin loss.
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But News Corp journalist David Riccio went on radio Wednesday morning to reveal rumours Grant is battling a painful sternum injury.
Slater will name his Origin III team on Monday.
In a timely boost for the Sea Eagles, marquee man Tom Trbojevic has been named at centre after missing the past two months with a hamstring injury.
The news isn’t so good for the Roosters, who are in the midst of a backline crisis and will now be without Joey Manu for at least a month due to a hand injury.
From a State of Origin perspective, players such as David Fifita and Bradman Best will get one final chance to impress Queensland and NSW selectors ahead of the decider, while some big guns will return for the Broncos as they battle for a top-eight spot.
However, last year’s grand finalists will be without strike centre Kotoni Staggs, who has been ruled out of a blockbuster against Penrith due to personal reasons.
With a logjam in the middle of the table, Canterbury and St George Illawarra are both expected to welcome back some key names for crucial fixtures.
Newcastle have also received a welcome boost, with star fullback Kalyn Ponga named to make an early return from a foot injury as they look to keep their finals hopes alive.
Here’s who will line up for their respective teams in round 18.
THURSDAY
Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, CommBank Stadium (7.50pm)
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Blaize Talagi 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Shaun Lane 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Matt Doorey 17. Charlie Guymer 18. Daejarn Asi 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Morgan Harper 22. Luca Moretti
Eels team news: Two debutants this week, with Jake Tago selected on the wing in place of the injured Maika Sivo, while back-rower Charlie Guymer is on the bench.
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Cameron Murray 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Michael Chee Kam 18. Jye Gray 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Adam Christensen 22. Thomas Fletcher
Rabbitohs team news: Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell return from Origin commitments, pushing Jye Gray and Liam Le Blanc out of the side. In a huge call, Murray has been named on the edge despite starting at lock for NSW.
FRIDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans, PointsBet Stadium (6pm)
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Daniel Atkinson 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Teig Wilton 18. Jesse Colquhoun 19. Tom Rodwell 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha 22. Jayden Berrell
Sharks team news: Daniel Atkinson comes into the side on the wing and replaces Sione Katoa, who is out of action with concussion.
Titans: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Isaac Liu 15. Josiah Pahulu 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Joe Stimson 18. Tanah Boyd 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 21. Ken Maumalo 22. Jaylan De Groot
Titans team news: AJ Brimson has been named at five-eighth as he prepares to return from a groin injury. Jayden Campbell is unavailable with a hand injury, while Jojo Fifita returns on the wing after missing round 16 due to illness.
Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers, Suncorp Stadium (8pm)
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Deine Mariner 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Kobe Hetherington 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau 18. Tristan Sailor 19. Joshua Rogers 20. Cory Paix 21. Blake Mozer 22. Kotoni Staggs
Broncos team news: Kotoni Staggs is out this week due to personal reasons, with Deine Mariner shifting to centre and Corey Oates named to return from injury on the wing. Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan are all back from Origin duties.
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Brad Schneider 19. Luron Patea 20. Trent Toelau 21. Casey McLean 22. Luke Sommerton
Panthers team news: Origin stars Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Liam Martin are all back on deck after missing the side’s round 17 loss.
SATURDAY
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Warriors, Accor Stadium (3pm)
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Blake Wilson 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Lipoi Hopoi 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Jake Turpin 21. Blake Taaffe 22. Harry Hayes 23. Jack Todd
Bulldogs team news: Connor Tracey has been cleared to return from concussion at fullback, pushing Blake Taaffe out of the side. Kurt Mann is back on the bench after serving a suspension for a crusher tackle.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Dylan Walker 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Jackson Ford 18. Jacob Laban 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ali Leiataua 22. Bunty Afoa 23. Leka Halasima
Warriors team news: No changes to the side that defeated the Broncos in round 17.
Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm, Leichhardt Oval (5.30pm)
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. John Bateman 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Justin Matamua 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. David Klemmer 18. Reuben Porter 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Solomon Alaimalo 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Justin Olam
Tigers team news: Brent Naden has been axed this week, with Charlie Staines recalled on the wing and Solomona Faataape moving to the centres. Justin Olam has been named among the reserves and could be a late inclusion.
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Jack Howarth 5. Kane Bradley 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan 18. Reimis Smith 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Dean Ieremia 21. Chris Lewis 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
Storm team news: Ryan Papenhuyzen is back from a foot injury, pushing young gun Sua Fa’alogo to the bench, while Kane Bradley replaces the injured Xavier Coates on the wing. Harry Grant is still out of action after being rested in round 18.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles, QCB Stadium (7.35pm)
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jake Granville 19. Braidon Burns 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Jake Clifford 22. Jaxon Purdue
Cowboys team news: Origin stars Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Reece Robson and Jeremiah Nanai are all back in after missing round 18.
Sea Eagles: 1. Tolutau Koula 2. Jason Saab 3. Tom Trbojevic 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lehi Hopoate 15. Karl Lawton 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 21. Caleb Navale 22. Aitasi James
Sea Eagles team news: Tolutau Koula will move to fullback with Tom Trbojevic making his return from a hamstring injury in the centres. Young gun Lehi Hopoate will revert to the bench, while Josh Aloiai returns from suspension in the front-row.
SUNDAY
Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons, Allianz Stadium (2pm)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Sitili Tupouniua 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson 14. Naufahu Whyte 15. Terrell May 16. Nat Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Siua Wong 20. Sandon Smith 21. Blake Steep 22. Salesi Foketi
Roosters team news: Joey Manu is out with a hand injury, allowing veteran centre Michael Jennings to come back into the side.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Toby Couchman 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Michael Molo 19. Fa’amanu Brown 20. Ryan Couchman 21. Savelio Tamale 22. Jack Bird
Dragons team news: Zac Lomax is back after being rested in round 18 and replaces Mat Feagai on the wing. Jack Bird has been named among the reserves as he pushes for a return from an ankle injury.
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights, GIO Stadium (4.05pm)
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Adam Cook 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Sebastian Kris 19. Zac Woolford 20. Emre Guler 21. James Schiller 22. Hohepa Puru
Raiders team news: Kaeo Weekes is at fullback this week with Adam Cook at halfback, while veteran Jordan Rapana moves to the wing. Simi Sasagi will come onto the bench in place of Jordan Martin, who is out of action due to concussion.
Knights : 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Fletcher Sharpe 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Brodie Jones 17. Dylan Lucas 18. Mathew Croker 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Jack Cogger 21. Krystian Mapapalangi 22. Thomas Cant
Knights team news: Massive boost for the Knights with star fullback Kalyn Ponga named to return from a footy injury. Leo Thompson and Dylan Lucas have also been named, but Phoenix Crossland is out of action due to concussion.