Penrith could have Isaah Yeo back from a shoulder injury at a crucial juncture of their top-four tilt, but the news is less rosy for South Sydney talisman Latrell Mitchell.
Yeo has not played since injuring himself in the round-22 defeat of Gold Coast, but has been named on the extended bench for the Panthers’ intriguing clash with Canberra.
Penrith must defeat the ladder leaders in Mudgee to keep their top-four charge on track, having dropped down to fifth place after last week’s loss to Melbourne.
The Panthers had been tight-lipped about Yeo’s prognosis, but his inclusion in the wider squad is the clearest sign yet he is in the mix for a return at the business end of the season.
Veteran forward Matt Eisenhuth would likely drop from the 17 to accommodate the return of the Panthers’ four-time premiership-winning co-captain.
Mitchell is set to miss the Rabbitohs’ penultimate game of the NRL season with the back issue that sidelined him from last week’s defeat of Parramatta.
The NSW representative has been left out of Wayne Bennett’s extended squad so is no chance to make a late dash into the 17 to face St George Illawarra on Thursday.
At best, he will return for the grudge match against former side the Sydney Roosters in round 27.
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has so far resisted the urge to swing the axe on his Bulldogs, despite threatening to make changes after the loss to the Roosters.
But winger Marcelo Montoya and forward Sitili Tupouniua have been named on the extended squad to face Melbourne, so could make their respective returns from neck and hamstring injuries.
The Storm have named Ryan Papenhuyzen on their own extended bench as the fullback looks to recover from concussion.
Tanah Boyd remains at halfback for the fourth-placed Warriors’ clash with his former side Gold Coast, despite struggling in the win over St George Illawarra.
But utility Te Maire Martin is back on the bench, so could spend some time in the halves, where he was playing when he concussed himself in round 23.
Rocco Berry returns from a hamstring injury to oust Taine Tuaupiki from the Warriors’ backline.
Tommy Talau replaces Reuben Garrick (shoulder) in the centres for Manly, who are fighting to keep their slim finals hopes alive against the Dolphins.
The ninth-placed Dolphins welcome Felise Kaufusi and Francis Molo back from suspensions as they too push to keep pace with a top-eight berth.
Junior Tupou replaces concussed Roosters winger Daniel Tupou against Parramatta – the former’s first game since a mid-season switch from the Dolphins.
Jaiyden Hunt is the new face in Brisbane’s starting side following a shoulder injury to Jack Gosiewski, with Jesse Arthars joining the bench for the clash with battling Newcastle.
