Parramatta have received a big fillip with teen star Dylan Brown to make his NRL return from a frustrating back injury which has stymied his rookie season.
The 19-year-old will make his first appearance in 13 weeks after being named in Brad Arthur’s side to take on Canberra in Darwin on Saturday.
The prodigious five-eighth has been missing with a stress fracture in his back – an injury more commonly associated with cricket fast bowlers – since round three.
He was forced to wear a back brace for the first five weeks of his recovery but returned to full training last week.
His comeback sees Jaeman Salmon return to the bench.
Meanwhile, South Sydney will receive a double boost with halfback Adam Reynolds (back) and centre Braidon Burns (hamstring) named in Wayne Bennett’s side.
The Rabbitohs have also named Sam Burgess in the No.21 jersey just three weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Newcastle prop David Klemmer is a chance to make an earlier-than-expected return from a broken wrist after being included on an extended bench, giving him a chance to push his claims for a NSW spot for State of Origin III.
In a further boost for the Blues front row stocks, Brisbane’s Payne Haas has been cleared of a hamstring injury while Broncos teammate Joe Ofahengaue is also back from a leg problem.
North Queensland have named mid-season recruit Scott Drinkwater in the No.1 jersey just a day after his move from Melbourne.
“He’s done a fair apprenticeship under a pretty good fullback in Billy Slater,” Cowboys coach Paul Green said.
“Just the way footy has panned out for him, a couple of guys have leapfrogged him down there … Thankfully Melbourne, to be fair, probably did the right thing by the kid in terms of his career.
“He had an opportunity here so we’re really lucky and thankful that we got him.”
The Cowboys also welcome back prop Jordan McLean (hamstring) as a replacement for the suspended Josh McGuire.
Influential Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson is back from a broken thumb.
St George Illawarra centre Tim Lafai returns for the under-pressure Dragons, pushing Lachlan Maranta out of the team.
Sydney Roosters’ Brett Morris (knee) and Cronulla’s Aaron Woods (foot) have both been named on extended benches and are chances to return.
As expected, Jarome Luai replaces injured Penrith and NSW playmaker Nathan Cleary.
THURSDAY
Wests Tigers v South Sydney, 7.50pm at Bankwest Stadium
FRIDAY
St George Illawarra v North Queensland, 6pm at WIN Stadium
Sydney Roosters v Melbourne, 7.55pm at Adelaide Oval
SATURDAY
Gold Coast v Manly, 3pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Newcastle v Brisbane, 5.30pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Parramatta v Canberra, 7.30pm at TIO Stadium
SUNDAY
Warriors v Penrith, 2pm at Mt Smart Stadium
Canterbury v Cronulla, 4.05pm at ANZ Stadium.
