Several of the NRL’s biggest names will return to action this weekend as rugby league’s finals series kicks off.

In a boost to their respective team’s premiership chances, Canberra’s Josh Dugan, North Queensland’s Matt Scott and Cronulla’s Wade Graham will all return from injury as the business end of the season begins.

Sam Williams (shoulder) will re-join Dugan (ankle) in the Raiders’ side for Sunday’s elimination final against Cronulla in Canberra, their opponents boosted by the inclusion of Graham and news that Todd Carney and Paul Gallen have been passed fit to play.

However the Sharks could be without Ben Pomeroy, who will face the judiciary on Wednesday night over a shoulder charge on Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston.

Hosts North Queensland will welcome Scott back from a week’s rest to face Brisbane in the all-Queensland derby in Townsville on Saturday night.

Thurston has sufficiently recovered from Pomeroy’s hit to take his place in the Cowboys side while the Broncos have named an unchanged side.

Melbourne have lost Will Chambers for their qualifying final against South Sydney in the southern capital on Saturday evening.

His place in the Storm side has been taken by Justin O’Neill. The Rabbitohs have named an unchanged side.

Despite an injury scare for Manly forward Anthony Watmough, he will play in Friday night’s qualifying final against minor premiers Canterbury, who have named an unchanged side from the one which easily disposed of Sydney Roosters in round 26.

The Sea Eagles have had more than their share of injury worries this season and coach Geoff Toovey said he hoped that was behind them as they look for back-to-back titles.

“They are all fine, there are a few bumps and bruises but all the scans have come through okay,” Toovey said.

“They just wanted to make sure they came through last week unscathed, which plays on your mind a little bit, and make sure they were right to play semi-final football.”