Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran makes his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury for the NRL premiers’ clash with Sydney Roosters at Brookvale on Sunday.
The Kiwi playmaker is back following a six-week lay-off due to a hamstring injury and will be a welcome boost to a Manly side that is without four players who are on State of Origin duty.
Brett and Glenn Stewart have been chosen in the NSW side alongside Tony Williams and Jamie Buhrer and David Williams is also likely to miss out with a hamstring problem.
Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey could also be without Daly Cherry-Evans, who has been named as 18th man for Queensland.
Toovey has named Cherry-Evans in his side and will be in contact with Maroons coach Mal Meninga to find out if his halfback will be released to play if he’s not required to face NSW.
“It’s one of the disappointing things. I don’t really know what the situation is,” Toovey said.
“They have named an 18th and 19th man which is great for Queensland but not so good for the clubs.
“I don’t want to spoil anyone’s parade, but he is a vital part of our team and we need to prepare for a vital game.”
Roosters coach Brian Smith has drafted in Daniel Mortimer to replace Mitchell Pearce at halfback for the trip to Brookvale.
South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has selected Nathan Merritt as Greg Inglis’ fullback replacement for the visit to Kogarah to take on St George Illawarra on Sunday.
Justin Hunt will make his NRL debut on the wing, with Maguire preferring him to Shaune Corrigan.
The Dragons will be without Michael Weyman and Nathan Fien, who are battling knee injuries, in addition to NSW pair Ben Creagh and Trent Merrin.
Leeson Ah Mau is recalled to replace Creagh, with Chase Stanley and Jack De Belin named on an extended bench.
Warriors starlet Glen Fisiiahi will come in at fullback in one of two changes to the side to face Wests Tigers at Leichhardt on Friday.
Fisiiahi, who has been in superb try-scoring form for feeder club the Auckland Vulcans, will make his third NRL appearance of the season, with Kevin Locke and Jerome Ropati unavailable because of injury.
The 21-year-old has scored 18 tries in just eight games for the Vulcans in the NSW Cup so far this year.
Luke MacDougall will make his Canterbury debut on the wing against Cronulla at ANZ Stadium on Monday with Jonathan Wright moving to the centres to replace NSW star Josh Morris.