The run home to the NRL finals is continuing to heat up, and it’s getting towards do-or-die territory for a number of clubs.
After a bye last weekend, Manly will be looking to get their top-eight hopes back on track, but will remain without injured captain Tom Trbojevic.
Tom Trbojevic remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Getty Images
The in-form Bulldogs have received a major boost after moving into the top-eight last weekend, while the table-topping Panthers have copped a fresh injury blow.
Cronulla will take on local rivals the Dragons as they look to cement a top-four position, while the Cowboys will want to bounce back after a 70-point drubbing.
Things have gotten worse for North Queensland, however, with a rep star set for another stint on the sidelines in a fresh injury blow.
In a timely boost for their finals hopes, South Sydney are set to welcome back a host of key players on Saturday night – but Latrell Mitchell won’t be among them.
Nine.com.au has all the NRL team news for round 23 below.
Thursday
Gold Coast Titans vs North Queensland Cowboys, Cbus Stadium (7.50pm)
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Oliver Pascoe 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Josh Patston 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Sam Verrills 19. Adam Christensen 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Sialetili Faeamani 22. Jett Liu
Titans team news: Lachlan Ilias replaces the injured Zane Harrison (hamstring) at halfback in the only change to Gold Coast’s starting lineup.
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Jaxon Purdue 8. Griffin Neame 9. Soni Luke 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Ethan King 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Coen Hess 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Kaiden Lahrs 20. John Bateman 21. Liam Sutton 22. Ronald Philitoga
Cowboys team news: Griffin Neame (suspension) returns at prop, but hooker Reed Mahoney (concussion) remains sidelined. Jeremiah Nanai (hamstring) is also out this week in a huge blow, with Kai O’Donnell taking his back-row spot.
Friday
New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers, Go Media Stadium (6pm)
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Leka Halasima 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith 16. Morgan Gannon 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 18. Luke Metcalf 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Riley Price 22. Makaia Tafua 23. Adam Pompey
Warriors team news: Taine Tuaupiki (foot) has been named to return on the bench, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad retaining the fullback spot.
Taine Tuaupiki is back from injury. Getty
Panthers team: 1. Jaxen Edgar 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Izack Tago 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Billy Phillips 18. Jack Cole 19. Blaize Talagi 20. Jesse McLean 21. Luron Patea 22. Kalani Leuluai-going
Panthers team news: Casey McLean (hand) will miss the next few weeks, with Izack Tago promoted to the starting side. Jack Cogger keeps hold of the five-eighth role with Blaize Talagi named in the No.19 jumper.
Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs, Allianz Stadium (8pm)
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Nat Butcher 17. Egan Butcher 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Rex Bassingthwaighte 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Delasalle Vaa
Roosters team news: Lindsay Collins (concussion) returns from an extended layoff on the bench, while Billy Smith (illness) is back on the wing. James Tedesco (ankle) has been named to play after sitting out the second half last week.
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Matt Burton 4. Enari Tuala 5. Jethro Rinakama 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Sitili Tupouniua 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Jake Turpin 21. Alekolasimi Jones 22. Sean O’Sullivan 23. Jonathan Sua
Bulldogs team news: Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring) is back in a major boost and has been named on the bench after missing the past five games.
Sitili Tupouniua returns this weekend. NRL Imagery
Saturday
Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles, HBF Park Perth (3pm)
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Hayden Watson 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Tyran Wishart 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Shawn Blore 16. Davvy Moale 17. Angus Hinchey 18. Joe Chan 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Gabriel Satrick 21. Stanley Huen 22. Manaia Waitere
Storm team news: Cameron Munster (knee) returns at five-eighth which forces a reshuffle, with Tyran Wishart at hooker and Trent Toelau on the bench. Jack Howarth (shoulder) is back in the centres, pushing Manaia Waitere out. Davvy Moale is on the six-man bench with Alec MacDonald (concussion) sidelined.
Storm playmaker Cameron Munster. Getty Images
Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Blake Wilson 6. Joey Walsh 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Brandon Wakeham 10. Ethan Bullemor 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Simione Laiafi 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Jackson Shereb 19. Josh Feledy 20. Onitoni Large 21. Nicholas Lenaz 22. Hugo Hart
Sea Eagles team news: Brandon Wakeham (calf) returns at hooker, while Corey Waddell (ankle) is back to replace Ben Trbojevic (concussion) in the back-row. Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) has been left on ice for at least one more week.
Dolphins vs Brisbane Broncos, Suncorp Stadium (5.30pm)
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Max Plath 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Sebastian Su’a 19. Brad Schneider 20. Brian Pouniu 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Jake Averillo
Dolphins team news: No major changes, with Sebastian Su’a joining the bench in place of Ray Stone. Utility back Jake Averillo (ribs) is among the reserves.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Xavier Willison 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Va’a Semu 16. Ben Talty 17. Gehamat Shibasaki 18. Jack Gosiewski 19. Hayze Perham 20. Blake Mozer 21. Jesse Arthars 22. Aublix Tawha
Broncos team news: Tom Duffy replaces captain Adam Reynolds (concussion) at halfback in the only major change for the reigning premiers. Xavier Willison (leg) has been named at prop, while Jack Gosiewski (ribs) returns on the bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels, Allianz Stadium (7.35pm)
Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Alex Johnston 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Adam Elliott 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jye Gray 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jamie Humphreys 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Thomas Fletcher 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Moala Graham-Taufa 22. John Radel
Souths skipper Cameron Murray will return this weekend. Getty Images
Rabbitohs team news: Cameron Murray (calf), David Fifita (suspension) and Tallis Duncan (hamstring) are all back in the starting side in a timely boost. Duncan will play in the centres, with Latrell Siegwalt dropped.
Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Brian Kelly 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ronald Volkman 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Sam Tuivaiti 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Luca Moretti 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Saxon Pryke 15. Junior Paulo 16. Teancum Brown 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Jezaiah Funa-Luta 20. Toni Mataele 21. Sean Russell 22. Ryley Smith
Eels team news: Luca Moretti (concussion) returns at prop, Jack Williams shifts to the back-row and Kelma Tuilagi drops to the bench in the only change at this stage, however Sean Russell (ribs) is among the reserves and could return.
Sunday
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights, GIO Stadium (2pm)
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Zac Hosking 12. Ata Mariota 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Joseph Roddy 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Daine Laurie 18. Savelio Tamale 19. Matt Nicholson 20. Coby Black 21. Mark Tuialii 22. Vena Patuki-Case
Raiders team news: Simi Sasagi (hamstring) returns at centre in place of Seb Kris.
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Cody Hopwood 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Thomas Cant 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Brodie Jones 20. Toby Winter 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Diesel Hagan
Knights team news: No major changes this week, however Tyson Frizell will start in his 300th first grade game, pushing Cody Hopwood to the bench.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks, Kogarah Oval (4.05pm)
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Jacob Webster 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Luciano Leilua 21. Christian Tuipulotu 22. Ryan Hutchinson
Dragons team news: Toby Couchman (concussion) is sidelined, with Emre Guler named at prop and Jacob Webster named to debut off the bench. After a late change last weekend, Daniel Atkinson remains on the six-man interchange.
Dragons halfback Daniel Atkinson. Getty Images
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Jesse Colquhoun 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Hohepa Puru 15. Billy Burns 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Michael Gabrael 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Sharks team news: KL Iro (head knock) and Siosifa Talakai (biceps) are both out this week, with Mawene Hiroti at centre and Hohepa Puru on the bench.