Jarryd Hayne is set for his long-awaited NRL return from an ankle injury after being named for the Gold Coast’s NRL clash with Cronulla on Saturday night.
In a shot in the arm for the injury-hit Titans, Hayne has been included as 18th man and is expected to be slotted in to fullback if he proves his fitness this week.
Titans coach Neil Henry said Hayne had not yet completed a training session but was “hopeful” of playing after being sidelined the last five weeks.
Henry said he would have a better insight in to a Hayne comeback after Wednesday’s training session.
“If he’s keen to play and gets through some ball work tomorrow and a bit of contact he will be in the team somewhere,” Henry said.
The Titans’ long injury list looks set to be further lightened after Dale Copley (back), Chris Grevsmuhl (groin), Kevin Proctor (hamstring), Konrad Hurrell (calf) and Joe Greenwood (concussion) were named in the Titans’ 21 for the Sharks clash.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Moses will wait a little longer for a release to Parramatta after being named in the Wests Tigers team to take on Canterbury on Sunday.
Moses may be joined by halves partner Luke Brooks after he was pencilled in to an extended squad.
Brooks – named in jersey No.21 – has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in round four against Melbourne.
Jamal Idris (hamstring) has been replaced in the Tigers centres by Michael Chee Kam.
The Bulldogs have recalled David Klemmer (ankle).
Ladder leaders St George Illawarra have welcomed back fullback Josh Dugan (hamstring) from a fortnight on the sidelines and shifted Jason Nightingale to the wing for their ANZAC Day blockbuster against the Sydney Roosters.
The tri-colours have named damaging forward Dylan Napa (ankle) and Latrell Mitchell (rested) on an extended bench.
Penrith have named an unchanged 17 but included Bryce Cartwright (foot) in jersey No.21 for Saturday’s clash with Parramatta.
Kenny Edwards returns to the Eels bench after missing the first seven rounds due to disciplinary reasons.
Brisbane have named Joe Ofahengaue to replace bench forward Tevita Pangai Junior, who was on Tuesday ruled out for up to three months with a finger injury.
South Sydney have named Sam Burgess despite him facing the judiciary on Tuesday night over his hit on the Bulldogs’ Greg Eastwood.
Manly have named Martin Taupau (ribs) at prop and included Nate Myles on an extended bench for Friday night’s clash with an unchanged Canberra.
Kalyn Ponga remains at fullback for North Queensland with Lachlan Coote (calf) still sidelined but the Cowboys do welcome back Antonio Winterstein (ankle) for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle.
Centre Will Chambers returns from a shoulder charge ban for Melbourne’s ANZAC Day clash with the Warriors.