The State of Origin decider looms large over proceedings in Round 18 with several clubs forced to do without their stars for this shortened slate of matches.
Canterbury and Brisbane will lock horns on Friday night with both sides missing some of their biggest names. Although it's not all bad news for the Broncos as they have brought back Selwyn Cobbo.
St George Illawarra are decimated by injuries following their win last weekend, while the Wests Tigers are in the same boat on the injury front.
North Queensland and Melbourne will both field makeshift teams for their game in Townsville, while Manly and South Sydney will close out the round with just one Origin representative - Latrell Mitchell - between them.
MORE: All the latest NRL injury news - Return dates for sidelined stars
Canberra Raiders vs. St George Illawarra Dragons
(Saturday, July 5 at GIO Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jed Stuart
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. Simi Sasagi
12. Zac Hosking
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Owen Pattie
15. Noah Martin
16. Trey Mooney
17. Ata Mariota
18. Chevy Stewart
Raiders team news:
Josh Papalii has been brought out of Origin retirement to answer an SOS call for QLD. The veteran prop will also be joined on rep duty by Hudson Young, who has been selected by NSW.
Corey Horsburgh has shifted from lock to prop to cover Papalii's absence, while Morgan Smithies has been promoted off the bench to start in the No.13 jersey.
Simi Sasagi starts on an edge once again after covering for Young there last week after he was rested.
Trey Mooney has been added to the bench rotation after serving as 18th man during last week's win over the Knights.
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Sione Finau
3. Moses Suli
4. Corey Allan
5. Tyrell Sloan
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
12. Jaydn Su'A
17. Michael Molo
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
18. Blake Lawrie
19. Viliami Fifita
20. Nick Tsougranis
Dragons team news:
Victory over Parramatta came at a heavy price last week with Nathan Lawson, Toby Couchman, Luciano Leilua and Hamish Stewart all picking up injuries during the clash, while Christian Tuipulotu pulled up lame in the warm-up.
The Dragons' stocks will also be hit with Valentine Holmes away on Origin duty.
Tyrell Sloan and Sione Finau have been brought in as the new faces on the wings. Nick Tsougranis, who replaced Holmes during the last Origin-impacted footy round, has been overlooked.
Raymond Faitala-Mariner gets the nod in the backrow, while Hame Sele, Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Michael Molo will make up a new bench rotation.
In late changes, Faitala-Mariner has dropped out and Molo has replaced him in the backrow. Blake Lawrie and Viliami Fifita are also additions to the pine.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Melbourne Storm
(Saturday, July 5 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Robert Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Zac Laybutt
18. Braidon Burns
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Duffy
8. Jordan McLean
9. Harrison Edwards
10. Griffin Neame
11. John Bateman
12. Kai O'Donnell
13. Sam McIntyre
14. Temple Kalepo
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Kaiden Lahrs
17. Coen Hess
19. Marly Bitungane
21. Jaxson Paulo
Cowboys team news:
Todd Payten's side held on for a vital win last week against the Titans but will now be forced to do without their Origin stars for this one.
Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter are unavailable.
However, they have received a welcome double boost with Jordan McLean and John Bateman, who were late withdrawals in Round 17 due to injury, back on deck.
Tom Duffy has been brought into the halves and handed the No.7 jersey, with Jake Clifford remaining at five-eighth.
Griffin Neame has been named at prop after being promoted into the starting 13 late last week and is joined by McLean.
Sam McIntyre will operate in the No.13 jersey. Harrison Edwards gets the nod at dummy-half after starting at lock last week, with Karl Lawton still suspended.
Kai O'Donnell starts in the backrow and is joined by the returning Bateman on the opposite edge.
Temple Kalepo will provide Edwards with cover off the bench and will make his NRL debut.
Jason Taumalolo has been sidelined for an extended period due to a calf issue and remains out.
In a late change, Murray Taulagi has dropped out due to a knee injury, with Braidon Burns replacing him on the wing.
Melbourne confirmed team:
6. Tyran Wishart
2. Grant Anderson
3. Joe Chan
4. Nick Meaney
5. Kane Bradley
14. Jonah Pezet
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Lazarus Vaalepu
17. Ativalu Lisati
22. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
19. Coby Williamson
21. Keagan Russell-Smith
Storm team news:
Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Stefano Utoikamanu and Trent Loiero are all away on Origin duty to leave Craig Bellamy's side compromised.
To add to the raft of changes, Sua Faalogo is also out after he suffered a serious hamstring injury during Melbourne's win over the Sharks.
With Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Moses Leo, Marion Seve and Dean Ieremia all still sidelined, the lack of options for the backline is alarming.
Grant Anderson moves onto the wing, with Joe Chan taking over in an unfamiliar position in the centres. Meanwhile, Kane Bradley will start on the opposite flank.
Tyran Wishart takes over from Munster at five-eighth, with Jonah Pezet becoming the new utility on the bench after returning from injury.
Bronson Garlick replaces Grant at dummy-half, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been handed a start at lock and Tui Kamikamica promoted into the starting side up front.
Alec MacDonald is joined by Lazarus Vaalepu and Ativalu Lisati on the pine.
In a late change, Ryan Papenhuyzen has been ruled out of the contest due to a calf complaint. Wishart will take over from him at the back, with Pezet promoted into the starting side.
Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown has been added to the bench and will make his NRL debut.
Sydney Roosters vs. Wests Tigers
(Sunday, July 6 at Allianz Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Mark Nawaqanitawase
5. Tom Rodwell
6. Sandon Smith
7. Hugo Savala
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Benaiah Ioelu
10. Makahesi Makatoa
11. Egan Butcher
12. Salesi Foketi
13. Blake Steep
14. Zach Dockar-Clay
15. Max McCathie
16. Taylor Losalu
17. De La Salle Va'a
18. Ethan King
19. Ethan Roberts
20. Chad Townsend
21. Ben Johnson
22. Tyler Moriarty
Roosters team news:
The Chooks are fresh off the bye but will have to contend without their rep stars; Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson and Angus Crichton.
With Dom Young completing his mid-season switch to the Knights, Trent Robinson will be forced to find a different solution in his backline.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will once again move into the centres to cover for Toia's absence, while Tom Rodwell will make his NRL debut on the wing.
Makahesi Makatoa is listed to start in the front row, while Benaiah Ioelu has been promoted off the bench to cover for Watson at hooker.
Egan Butcher returns from a head knock to take over from Crichton on an edge, while the other backrow spot has been taken by Salesi Foketi after Siua Wong suffered a knee injury in his last appearance.
Blake Steep will take over at lock with Victor Radley set to only return from a concussion in Round 19.
Taylor Losalu has been added to the bench alongside fellow fresh face Max McCathie, who will make his NRL debut. De La Salle Va'a is also featured on the pine.
Sandon Smith suffered a knee issue in his last appearance but is expected to be fine for this one, although the casualty ward is growing at Bondi with Sam Walker and Nat Butcher confined to the sidelines.
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Sunia Turuva
2. Charlie Staines
3. Luke Laulilii
4. Starford To'a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Latu Fainu
8. Terrell May
9. Tristan Hope
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Jack Bird
13. Alex Twal
14. Charlie Murray
15. Alex Seyfarth
16. Sione Fainu
17. Tony Sukkar
18. Kit Laulilii
19. Brent Naden
20. Royce Hunt
21. Solomona Faataape
22. Izaac Tu'itupou
Tigers team news:
Benji Marshall's side is in a world of trouble as they are currently riding a six-game losing streak. They have also now been hit hard by injuries and suspension.
Jahream Bula and Api Koroisau are ruled out, Jarome Luai is away on Origin duty, Heath Mason is suspended, while Tallyn Da Silva was granted an early release after playing his last game for the club in Round 17.
Sunia Turuva has been moved to fullback and Charlie Staines recalled onto the wing. Meanwhile, Luke Laulilii will take over in the centres due to Adam Doueihi moving to five-eighth.
Tristan Hope gets the nod at dummy-half, while Charlie Murray is the new addition on the pine.
Manly Sea Eagles vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
(Sunday, July 6 at 4 Pines Park, 4:05pm AEST)
Manly confirmed team:
1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolu Koula
4. Tom Trbojevic
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Matthew Lodge
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Corey Waddell
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Tommy Talau
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Tof Sipley
18. Michael Chee Kam
19. Clayton Faulalo
20. Caleb Navale
21. Joey Walsh
22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Sea Eagles team news:
Lehi Hopoate will continue at fullback as Manly persists with Tom Trbojevic playing in the centres.
Jason Saab was a late inclusion on the wing last week due to Tommy Talau struggling with a hamstring issue. Saab continues on the flank after bagging a try last week.
Although Talau has been added onto the bench for this one after Nathan Brown picked up a biceps injury during the win over the Tigers.
Haumole Olakau'atu, Josh Aloiai and Taniela Paseka remain long-term absentees.
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Alex Johnston
2. Isaiah Tass
3. Euan Aitken
4. Campbell Graham
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Jack Wighton
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Siliva Havili
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Jai Arrow
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Lachlan Hubner
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Liam Le Blanc
16. Davvy Moale
17. Lewis Dodd
18. Ryan Gray
19. Sean Keppie
20. Jacob Host
21. Cody Walker
22. Brandon Smith
Rabbitohs team news:
Latrell Mitchell is away on Origin duty, while Cody Walker is back in the casualty ward once again to make Wayne Bennett stress over two key positions.
Jye Gray is still on the sidelines, so there is no obvious replacement for Mitchell. Alex Johnston has been handed the No.1 jersey, as a result.
In other changes in the backline, Jack Wighton has moved to five-eighth to take over from Walker. Euan Aitken has dropped back into the centres, while Isaiah Tass starts on the wing.
Tevita Tatola has been promoted off the bench and will start up front, with Liam Le Blanc added to the bench and Sean Keppie dropping to the reserves.
Jai Arrow has switched from lock to an edge, while Lachlan Hubner has reclaimed the No.13 jersey for this one.
Lewid Dodd has been named on the bench alongside Peter Mamouzelos.
Jayden Sullivan suffered a broken leg in the NSW Cup in a bitter blow for the Bunnies. He is joined by the likes of Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Mikaele Ravalawa and Cameron Murray on the sidelines.
However, in better news, Brandon Smith is inching closer to a return from a knee injury after being included in the extended squad along with Walker.
NRL SCORES THIS WEEKEND (ROUND 18):
Canterbury Bulldogs 18-22 Brisbane Broncos
(Friday, July 4 at Accor Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
4. Enari Tuala
3. Bronson Xerri
6. Matt Burton
5. Marcelo Montoya
14. Lachlan Galvin
7. Toby Sexton
8. Harry Hayes
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
19. Jake Turpin
13. Bailey Hayward
15. Josh Curran
17. Kurtis Morrin
21. Jack Todd
2. Blake Wilson
Bulldogs team news:
It's a case of good news and bad news for the Dogs, with Matt Burton not called up as 18th man for NSW. However, Jacob Kiraz has been listed as the 18th man for the Blues instead.
Blake Wilson has been brought onto the wing as Kiraz's replacement.
Meanwhile, Stephen Crichton, Max King and Kurt Mann will be absent due to being away on Origin duty.
Enari Tuala has been brought in for the skipper to make his first appearance for the club, while Lipoi Hopoi and Kurtis Morrin have been added into the fold in the absence of the Dogs' other rep players.
Daniel Suluka-Fifita copped a concussion in the opening minute of his side's Round 17 clash and has been replaced in the front row by Sam Hughes. He will be partnered up front by Harry Hayes.
Lachlan Galvin remains on the bench and is joined on the pine by Josh Curran.
Blake Taaffe picked up an injury while featuring in reserve grade last week. He joins Jaeman Salmon and Sitili Tupouniua in the casualty ward.
UPDATE:
Ciraldo has made a host of major changes to his side one hour before kick-off. The headline-grabbing move is Lachlan Galvin being promoted into the halves and Matt Burton switching into the centres.
Blake Wilson is the man to miss out, as he moves to being 18th man.
Elsewhere, Jake Turpin has been added to the starting side at lock, with Bailey Hayward moving to the bench to act as the utility.
Jack Todd will join Hayward on the pine after Lipoi Hopoi has dropped out.
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Selwyn Cobbo
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
18. Delouise Hoeter
4. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
10. Xavier Willison
9. Cory Paix
16. Tyson Smoothy
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Billy Walters
15. Jaiyden Hunt
17. Jack Gosiewski
19. Ben Talty
21. Va'a Semu
Broncos team news:
It's now three wins on the bounce for Michael Maguire's side. However, they face a tricky test this week without their Origin stars.
Reece Walsh has been named as QLD's 18th man, so he will be unavailable for this one. Gehamat Shibasaki, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan are also away on Origin duty.
Selwyn Cobbo has been recalled and will take the No.1 jersey. Deine Mariner has been brought into the backline.
Xavier Willison has been promoted off the bench to start up front and Kobe Hetherington handed a start at lock.
Tyson Smoothy and Jaiyden Hunt are the news faces on the pine.
Ben Hunt was scheduled to finally return from a hamstring injury but he remains out of the reckoning.
In late changes, Jesse Arthars and Corey Jensen have dropped out due to injuries. Delouise Hoeter has been added into the backline for the former, while Smoothy has been promoted off the bench to replace the latter. Meanwhile, Ben Talty has been added to the pine.