Magic Round has arrived in the NRL with a full slate of games set to entertain fans at Suncorp Stadium across the three-day event.
Intriguing storylines abound everywhere in Brisbane as the season continues to roll on at a lightning-quick pace.
Cronulla will try to bounce back from their heartbreaking loss to the Wests Tigers last week when they take on Parramatta, who will be fresh off the bye, in the opening fixture of the round.
Elsewhere, Canterbury and South Sydney have been hit hard by injury and suspension, while Lachlan Ilias and David Fifita have been axed.
MORE: NRL injury list - Your club’s medical news, casualty ward, player return dates
New Zealand Warriors vs. North Queensland Cowboys
(Saturday, May 3 at Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Taine Tuaupiki
3. Rocco Berry
5. Adam Pompey
23. Edward Kosi
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. Marata Niukore
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Leka Halasima
13. Erin Clark
15. Jackson Ford
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Bunty Afoa
20. Samuel Healey
14. Te Maire Martin
Warriors team news:
Andrew Webster's outfit has won four out of their past five games to keep the good times rolling in New Zealand.
The coach made several late changes to his named team last week against the Knights and he has stuck to these alterations.
Jackson Ford was listed to start up front but dropped to the bench with Marata Niukore taking his place and Leka Halasima promoted off the pine. The same set-up has been repeated for Magic Round.
Jacob Laban has dropped out of the team in the only change to the 17 from last week.
Meanwhile, star backline duo Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are nearing their returns from injury.
James Fisher-Harris is expected to miss at least one more match after suffering a pec injury in Round 6.
In a late change, Ali Leiataua has dropped out of the side with Adam Pompey moving to the wing and Edward Kosi set to start on the wing.
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Robert Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess
18. Zac Laybutt
Cowboys team news:
Todd Payten has named an unchanged side after they got the job done last week with a thumping 50-18 comeback win over the Titans.
Jeremiah Nanai was impressive from the start last week and keeps his spot on an edge, while Kai O'Donnell has been unable to get back into the 17 after dropping out late for Harrison Edwards.
Wests Tigers vs. St George Illawarra Dragons
(Saturday, May 3 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:45pm AEST)
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi
5. Brent Naden
23. Charlie Staines
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Royce Hunt
16. Jack Bird
17. Sione Fainu
18. Tony Sukkar
19. Heath Mason
Tigers team news:
The Tigers got back to winning ways in Round 8 with a dramatic victory over the Sharks in golden point.
Benji Marshall recalled Lachlan Galvin after his contract drama the previous week and the young five-eighth laid on two tries to contribute to the win. The coach has named an unchanged team for this one.
However, Starford To'a has since been ruled out due to a neck injury. Charlie Staines replaces him on the wing with Brent Naden shifting into the centres.
There was concern around Api Koroisau after the hooker limped from the field with a knee issue last week. However, he has been named to start in the No.9 jersey.
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Corey Allan
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lyhkan King-Togia
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Dylan Egan
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Hamish Stewart
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Jack de Belin
16. Emre Guler
17. Luciano Leilua
18. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
19. Nathan Lawson
Dragons team news:
The Red V were pumped 46-18 by the Roosters on Anzac Day with Shane Flanagan deciding to make some major changes to his side.
In the most significant change, Lachlan Ilias has been axed at halfback, with development player Lyhkan King-Togia taking over in the No.7 jersey.
Sione Finau played his first game of the season on the wing in the absence of injured duo Christian Tuipulotu and Mat Feagai. The young gun has been replaced by Corey Allan though with the coach opting for some experience in his backline.
Hamish Stewart will return this week after missing Round 8 due to a concussion. He starts at lock with Jack de Belin dropping to the bench and Blake Lawrie going to the reserves.
Luciano Leilua has been named to start in the backrow for the past three weeks only to be moved to the bench for Dylan Egan. This time, Egan has been named to start in the No.11 jersey.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
(Sunday, May 4 at Suncorp Stadium, 1:50pm AEST)
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. Jaylan de Groot
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Phillip Sami
5. Jojo Fifita
6. AJ Brimson
7. Tom Weaver
8. Mo Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Chris Randall
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
14. Klese Haas
15. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui
16. Arama Hau
17. Josiah Pahulu
18. Tony Francis
19. David Fifita
20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
21. Tukimihia Simpkins
22. Allan Fitzgibbon
Titans team news:
It's now four defeats in a row for the Titans with Des Hasler's outfit in desperate need of a victory. However, they face an uphill struggle against a Dogs side stinging from their first loss of the season last week.
The coach has made a major change to his outfit though with star backrower David Fifita dropped to the reserves.
Tom Weaver starts at halfback for the second week straight with Jayden Campbell still out and Kieran Foran expected to be out for at least one more week with a biceps injury.
Chris Randall has started in the backrow for the past two matches and keeps his starting spot with Fifita's demotion.
There are multiple changes on the bench with Jaimin Jolliffe and Brock Gray picking up suspensions against North Queensland.
Klese Haas has returned to the fold while Josiah Pahulu will make his first appearance of the season in the NRL off the pine.
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Bailey Hayward
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Kurtis Morrin
17. Blake Taaffe
19. Lipoi Hopoi
20. Blake Wilson
21. Jake Turpin
22. Luke Smith
23. Drew Hutchison
Bulldogs team news:
The Dogs tasted defeat for the first time this year in Round 8 as they were soundly beaten by the Broncos. To make matters worse, three key players were hit with suspensions out of the clash.
Matt Burton copped a one-match ban for a high shot with Bailey Hayward handed the No.6 jersey once again in his absence.
Josh Curran was issued with a three-game ban for a shoulder charge on Payne Haas and is replaced up front by Daniel Suluka-Fifita.
Meanwhile, Sitili Tupouniua has copped five weeks on the sidelines after being cited for two separate incidents. His place on the bench has been taken by Kurtis Morrin. Blake Taaffe has also been added to the fold.
Penrith Panthers vs. Brisbane Broncos
(Sunday, May 4 at Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Paul Alamoti
3. Izack Tago
4. Luke Garner
5. Thomas Jenkins
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Luke Sommerton
10. Liam Henry 11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Trent Toelau
15. Isaiah Papali'i
16. Lindsay Smith
17. Mavrik Geyer
18. Daine Laurie
19. Luron Patea
20. Casey McLean
21. Billy Scott
22. Jack Cole
Panthers team news:
Penrith's return to winning ways turned out to be short-lived with the Panthers falling to another loss last week.
The reigning premiers have made a change in their backline with Luke Garner returning from a concussion to take Casey McLean's place in the backline.
Tom Jenkins has moved to the wing with Brian To'o still sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Luke Sommerton will start at hooker again with Mitch Kenny still sidelined with a suspension for one more week.
Liam Henry started ahead of Lindsay Smith in Round 8 and gets the nod up front again.
Brad Schneider has dropped out of the squad with Trent Toelau handed the utility role on the bench.
Scott Sorensen has copped a three-game ban after failing to downgrade his charge at the NRL Judiciary. He was initially named to start in the backrow but will now need to be replaced.
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Selwyn Cobbo
2. Deine Mariner
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Xavier Willison
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Cory Paix
15. Corey Jensen
16. Brendan Piakura
17. Jaiyden Hunt
18. Tyson Smoothy
19. Martin Taupau
20. Josiah Karapani
21. Jock Madden
22. Ben Te Kura
Broncos team news:
All eyes will be on Adam Reynolds this week after the halfback suffered a shoulder injury during his side's upset victory over the Bulldogs.
He has been named to start but if the halfback is eventually ruled out of Magic Round, Ben Hunt is likely to take the No.7 jersey with Billy Walters switching to five-eighth. Ezra Mam will be eligible for selection in Round 10.
Jordan Riki was a late withdrawal last week due to an infection but is back on deck for this one. The backrower's return sees Brendan Piakura drop to the bench and Tyson Smoothy go to the reserves.
Reece Walsh is expected to be out for another month with a knee injury, so Selwyn Cobbo continues at fullback.
Melbourne Storm vs. Canberra Raiders
(Sunday, May 4 at Suncorp Stadium, 6:25pm AEST)
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Sua Fa'alogo
3. Grant Anderson
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Joe Chan
18. Ativalu Lisati
19. Lazarus Vaalepu
20. Kane Bradley
21. Keagan Russell-Smith
22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Storm team news:
Craig Bellamy's side was scrappy on Anzac Day but still managed to grab the win over the Bunnies to bounce back from their horror loss to the Dolphins in Round 7.
Sua Fa'alogo was drafted onto the wing late ahead of Kane Bradley last week but failed a HIA after being hit high by Latrell Mitchell. However, the flyer has been named to start for this one after he was later cleared of a concussion.
Will Warbrick, who has missed the past month due to concussion, remains out of the side.
Bronson Garlick continues at dummy-half with Harry Grant still sidelined with a hamstring issue, while support will come from Tyran Wishart off the bench.
Tui Kamikamica has returned from an ankle issue ahead of schedule and takes his place on the bench ahead of Lazarus Vaalepu.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona hasn't featured since his side's Round 3 win over Penrith in the grand final rematch due to a concussion. The enforcer has been included in the extended squad and could be a late addition for this one.
Meanwhile, the likes of Jack Howarth and Moses Leo remain in the casualty ward for Magic Round.
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Corey Horsburgh
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Matty Nicholson
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Owen Pattie
15. Zac Hosking
16. Josh Papali'i
17. Ata Mariota
18. Simi Sasagi
19. Manaia Waitere
20. Pasami Saulo
21. Trey Mooney
22. Danny Levi
Raiders team news:
Ricky Stuart has named an unchanged outfit after the Raiders recovered from a slow start to romp to a resounding win over the Dolphins last week.
NRL RESULTS THIS WEEKEND (MAGIC ROUND):
Cronulla Sharks 28-18 Parramatta Eels
(Friday, May 2 at Suncorp Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Samuel Stonestreet
3. Jesse Ramien
4. KL Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
17. Tom Hazelton
11. Briton Nikora
12. Billy Burns
13. Cameron McInnes
10. Oregon Kaufusi
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Braden Hamlin-Uele
20. Jesse Colquhoun
14. Daniel Atkinson
Sharks team news:
It's a short turnaround for Craig Fitzgibbon's side after they went down to the Tigers in golden point last Sunday.
The club receives a timely boost for the clash at Magic Round with KL Iro set to return. He replaces Mawene Hiroti, who has covered for Iro in the past month, after the centre suffered a knee injury in Round 8.
Billy Burns was drafted into the side late last week after Teig Wilton was ruled out with a shoulder injury. He continues in the backrow.
Briton Nikora will line up on the opposite edge after avoiding a ban for a high tackle during his side's loss to the Tigers.
In a change to the forward rotation, Tuku Hau Tapuha has been dropped to the reserves with Braden Hamlin-Uele replacing him.
Toby Rudolf is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks due to a foot injury.
In two late changes, Tom Hazelton has been promoted into the starting side ahead of Oregon Kaufusi, while Jesse Colquhoun will make his first appearance of the season off the bench after bumping Daniel Atkinson to 18th man.
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitch Moses
8. Jack Williams
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Charlie Guymer
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. J'maine Hopgood
14. Dylan Walker
15. Luca Moretti
17. Sam Tuivaiti
22. Jordan Samrani
19. Joash Papalii
Eels team news:
Jason Ryles' outfit claimed an impressive win over the Tigers on Easter Monday before they headed into the bye and the coach has made just the one enforced change.
Kelma Tuilagi copped a suspension for a shoulder charge during his side's win over the Tigers so Charlie Guymer has been brought into the backrow.
In a late change, Matt Doorey has dropped of the bench with Jordan Samrani replacing him.
Sydney Roosters 36-26 Dolphins
(Friday, May 2 at Suncorp Stadium, 8:05pm AEST)
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Sandon Smith
7. Hugo Savala
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Connor Watson
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Zach Dockar-Clay
15. Salesi Foketi
16. Blake Steep
17. Egan Butcher
18. Ethan King
Roosters team news:
Trent Robinson has named an unchanged 17 after they battered the Dragons on Anzac Day.
This means Dom Young will remain out of the side after Mark Nawaqanitawase impressed on the wing.
Sandon Smith enjoyed the best game of his career so far on the big stage against the Red V and will be partnered in the halves by Hugo Savala again.
Chad Townsend continues to be overlooked at halfback. Meanwhile, Sam Walker is reportedly nearing a return from an ACL tear he suffered late last year. The playmaker won't be on hand for Magic Round though.
Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher remain sidelined with knee issues, so Spencer Leniu starts up front with Egan Butcher to be used off the bench again after the forward made his return from a long-term injury last week.
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
10. Francis Molo
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
13. Mark Nicholls
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
16. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Tom Gilbert
15. Ray Stone
17. Josh Kerr
19. Sean O'Sullivan
20. Oryn Keeley
21. Harrison Graham
Phins team news:
Kristian Woolf's side blew a big lead to get ran down by Canberra last week which brought an end to their three-match winning streak.
To make matters worse, injuries continue to hit the pack with Daniel Saifiti the latest forward to be sidelined. The prop suffered a shoulder complaint against the Raiders.
It's not all bad news though with three players returning to the side.
Felise Kaufusi is back from a knee injury and replaces Saifiti up front, while Mark Nicholls starts at lock.
Jeremy Marshall-King is back on deck after missing the past two weeks due to an infection in his leg. The Kiwi international's return pushes Sean O'Sullivan out of the side.
Kurt Donoghoe was a late withdrawal in Round 8 due to an ankle injury but takes his place on the pine. Kenny Bromwich drops out of the 17.
Max Plath will not return from a foot injury after the sidelined forward was a late withdrawal last week.
In late changes, Kaufusi and Donoghoe have been ruled out after failing to overcome their respective injuries. Nicholls has been switched from lock to prop with Ray Stone promoted off the bench and into the starting side.
O'Sullivan and Oryn Keeley have been added to the pine.
An hour before kick-off, Woolf made one final change with Connelly Lemuelu added to the starting side with Stone going back to the bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 4-30 Newcastle Knights
(Saturday, May 3 at Suncorp Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
3. Euan Aitken
4. Campbell Graham
5. Isaiah Tass
19. Lewis Dodd
7. Jayden Sullivan
8. Sean Keppie
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Tevita Tatola
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Jai Arrow
14. Liam Le Blanc
15. Lachlan Hubner
16. Davvy Moale
17. Fletcher Myers
18. Thomas Fletcher
Rabbitohs team news:
Wayne Bennett's side slipped to their third loss in a row last week with injuries biting the Bunnies after a previously impressive start to the campaign.
Latrell Mitchell is sidelined for one match after being cited for a high tackle during his side's loss to the Storm. Jye Gray, who featured at five-eighth at AAMI Park, reverts to fullback.
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape started on the wing last week and keeps his spot with Alex Johnston, Mikaele Ravalawa and Tyrone Munro still sidelined.
A major shift in the backline has occurred though with Euan Aitken moving back to the centres. He accommodates Jack Wighton's move to five-eighth.
Wighton was originally named to partner Jayden Sullivan in the halves. However, the former has since been ruled out with a calf injury with Lewis Dodd to make his starting debut in the absence of Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys.
Tallis Duncan takes over from Aitken in the backrow with Jai Arrow remaining at lock despite Lachlan Hubner's return from a head knock.
Fletcher Myers and Liam Le Blanc are the new faces on the bench with Siliva Havili out of the squad altogether.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Mat Croker
16. Adam Elliott
17. Brodie Jones
18. Thomas Cant
Knights team news:
Newcastle are in dire straits after slipping to their fifth loss on the bounce last week when they went down to the Warriors across the ditch.
Jack Cogger was a late addition at halfback in Round 8 after Tyson Gamble was ruled out with a broken nose. Adam O'Brien has stuck with the former for this one.
Phoenix Crossland was named to start at dummy-half but was replaced by Jayden Brailey in the starting side last week. The Kiwi retains the No.9 jersey.
Jacob Saifiti and Adam Elliott have missed the past few weeks due to injuries but they make their returns. Saifiti starts up front with Tyson Frizell shifting to lock and Mat Croker going to the bench.
Meanwhile, Thomas Cant and Tyrone Thompson drop out of the 17.