The NRL hosts Indigenous Round this week while the battle for spots on the ladder heats up.
Melbourne and Brisbane meet in a blockbuster clash to kick off the action on Thursday night in what will be the first of two quickfire matches between the clubs before the end of the regular season.
Penrith will attempt to continue their surge up the standings when they take on Newcastle, while Canberra's winning streak was ended at nine games last week as they went down to St George Illawarra.
MORE: All the latest injury news and updates for every NRL club
The Raiders host Manly in the nation's capital as Anthony Seibold has listed another positional switch for Tom Trbojevic.
Elsewhere, the Dolphins will be forced to do without star centre Herbie Farnworth for their battle with the Sydney Roosters.
South Sydney will be desperate to get some of their injured stars back on deck for their bottom-of-the-ladder clash against the Gold Coast, while North Queensland have also received some welcome boosts.
Dolphins (Turrbal, Yuggera, Ningy Ningy, & Kabi Kabi) vs. Sydney Roosters (Eora & Gadigal)
(Saturday, August 9 at Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Max Feagai
4. Tevita Naufahu
5. Jake Averillo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Francis Molo
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Mark Nicholls
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Kurt Donoghoe
14. Ray Stone
15. Aublix Tawha
16. Kulikefu Finefuiaki
17. Josh Kerr
21. Kenny Bromwich
22. Trai Fuller
Phins team news:
The Dolphins copped another major injury blow during their last-gasp win over the Warriors as Herbie Farnworth suffered a hamstring injury. The star centre will be sidelined for between four and six weeks.
And in even more bad news, Felise Kaufusi will cop another stint on the sidelines after being charged for dangerous contact. Mark Nicholls has been named as his replacement up front.
Tevita Naufahu has been listed as Farnworth's replacement, with Jake Averillo maintained on the wing.
Jamayne Isaako was hampered by a groin issue in Round 22, yet he has been named on the opposite flank. If he is ruled out, LJ Nonu looms in the reserves.
Kulikefu Finefuiaki returns from a thumb issue and is a welcome boost in Kaufusi's absence as he takes a spot on the bench.
Jack Bostock, Daniel Saifiti, Tom Gilbert and Max Plath have been ruled out for the season, while Tom Flegler is unlikely to play this year.
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Hugo Savala
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Victor Radley
14. Benaiah Ioelu
15. Egan Butcher
16. Salesi Foketi
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Ethan King
19. Blake Steep
Roosters team news:
Trent Robinson has named an unchanged outfit after the Roosters got the job done against the Sea Eagles last week.
Victor Radley was a surprise late addition to the bench after recovering from a shoulder issue ahead of schedule. Blake Steep lost his place in the 17 as a result of Radley's inclusion and remains out of the side.
The English international has been listed in the No.13 jersey against the Phins, with Spencer Leniu dropping back to the pine.
The coach also made a late switch with his hookers in Round 22 as Benaiah Ioelu was preferred to start ahead of Connor Watson. The Blues' utility has been named to start again at dummy-half this week.
Sandon Smith is available after missing last week due to a concussion, although he hasn't been able to dislodge Hugo Savala.
However, it's not such good news for Nat Butcher, who suffered a knee injury in the NSW Cup during his return to action after an extended period on the sidelines.
Canterbury Bulldogs (Dharug, Bidjigal/Bediagal) vs. New Zealand Warriors (Aotearoa)
(Saturday, August 9 at Accor Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Jacob Kiraz
2. Jethro Rinakama
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Enari Tuala
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Josh Curran
17. Bailey Hayward
21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
23. Toby Sexton
Bulldogs team news:
Cameron Ciraldo's side suffered a shock loss to the Tigers in the rain in Round 22, but the coach has resisted the urge to make any changes.
Stephen Crichton avoided a charge for a high shot on Taylan May and will line up in the centres. Jacob Kiraz will start in the No.1 jersey again as Connor Tracey remains sidelined until finals time.
Lachlan Galvin is in doubt after suffering multiple injury issues during the Dogs' loss to the Tigers. If he is ruled out, Toby Sexton stands as the most obvious replacement at halfback.
Harry Hayes copped a head knock last week but has recovered to take his place on the bench once again.
Sitili Tupouniua remains out due to a hamstring issue, while Marcelo Montoya is scheduled to return in two weeks' time as he continues to recover from a neck injury.
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
10. Jackson Ford
9. Samuel Healey
23. James Fisher-Harris
8. Marata Niukore
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark
11. Leka Halasima
14. Te Maire Martin
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith
15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
18. Freddy Lussick
Warriors team news:
Andrew Webster's side went down to the Phins in heartbreaking circumstances last week but could now welcome back a few stars as they attempt to bounce back.
Chanel Harris-Tavita is scheduled to return from a calf issue and he has been named at five-eighth, while Te Maire Martin returns to the bench and Freddy Lussick drops out.
James Fisher-Harris could also be a late addition after being included in the extended squad as he works his way back from a calf issue.
However, it's not all good news, with Wayde Egan sidelined indefinitely due to a shoulder injury. Sam Healey keeps hold of the No.9 jersey in his absence.
Jacob Laban suffered a leg injury against the Phins and has been ruled out for an extended period. He has been replaced on the pine by the returning Demitric Vaimauga.
Webster made a host of late changes last week and has opted to stick with these alterations.
Taine Tuaupiki was promoted off the bench, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moved into the centres, Kurt Capewell switched into the backrow and Marata Niukore started up front.
UPDATE:
JFH will return from a calf issue after being brought into the side from the reserves. Niukore reverts to the backrow, Leka Halasima drops to the bench while Eddie Ieremia-Toeava misses out.
Gold Coast Titans (Yugambeh) vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs (Eora & Gadigal)
(Sunday, August 10 at Cbus Super Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. Brian Kelly
4. Jojo Fifita
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Kieran Foran
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
11. Chris Randall
12. Beau Fermor
13. Klese Haas
14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
16. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui
17. Josh Patston
18. Arama Hau
19. Tom Weaver
Titans team news:
The Gold Coast fell short of producing one of the great comebacks when they fought back from 24-0 down to almost beat the Panthers. As a result, Des Hasler has made just two changes to his side.
Phillip Sami has been forced out after copping a head knock last week, so Alofiana Khan-Pereira earns a recall.
Meanwhile, Chris Randall missed the game after copping a head knock in Round 21.
He is back for their clash with the Bunnies and his inclusion sees Jacob Alick-Wiencke drop to the bench and Tom Weaver go to the reserves.
Sean Mullany has served his one-match suspension, although he is nowhere to be found in the extended squad.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is scheduled to return from a knee issue in Round 25, while a return date for David Fifita still hasn't been provided as he battles an ankle issue.
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
22. Latrell Mitchell
5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
6. Ashton Ward
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Jai Arrow
9. Siliva Havili
10. Sean Keppie
4. Tallis Duncan
12. Jacob Host
13. Lachlan Hubner
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Liam Le Blanc
16. Brandon Smith
17. Thomas Fletcher
18. Tyrone Munro
19. Talanoa Penitani
Rabbitohs team news:
Wayne Bennett's side have now lost nine matches in a row as their horror injury toll has killed their season and left them fighting to avoid the wooden spoon.
Jamie Humphreys, Brandon Smith and Peter Mamouzelos will all return this week though to ease the injury burden slightly.
Humphreys was a late withdrawal last week but is available for this one. He takes over from Lewis Dodd in the halves, with the Englishman dropping out altogether.
Ryan Gray suffered an arm injury during the opening exchanges of his side's loss to the Broncos and won't feature.
Siliva Havili has been named in the No.9 jersey, while support will be provided off the bench by Peter Mamouzelos.
Smith has also grabbed a place on the pine as the Kiwi star takes over from Tyrone Munro, who was a late call-up last week.
Meanwhile, in a potentially massive boost, Latrell Mitchell has been included in the extended squad and could be brought into this side late in the piece.
Cody Walker is closing in on a return from injury in what would help the struggling Bunnies, while Campbell Graham and Cameron Murray's situations are unclear.
Jack Wighton will not return until the last game of the regular season due to a hefty suspension, while Keaon Koloamatangi revealed he was a chance of returning and playing again this season.
Parramatta Eels (Dharug & Burramattagal) vs. North Queensland Cowboys (Wulgurukaba & Bindal)
(Sunday, August 10 at CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Joash Papali’i
2. Zac Lomax
3. Will Penisini
4. Jordan Samrani
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Dean Hawkins
7. Mitch Moses
8. J’maine Hopgood
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Charlie Guymer
12. Jack Williams
13. Dylan Walker
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Luca Moretti
16. Matt Doorey
17. Kelma Tuilagi
18. Ronald Volkman
19. Dan Keir
20. Haze Dunster
21. Toni Mataele
22. Dylan Brown
Eels team news:
Jason Ryles has made two changes after the Eels were only narrowly beaten by the Storm.
Sean Russell has dropped out of the backline and he has been replaced by Jordan Samrani, while Kelma Tuilagi has bagged a place on the bench in the absence of Sam Tuivaiti.
Joash Papali’i continues at fullback as Isaiah Iongi remains on the sidelines with a hand injury.
Dylan Walker was named to start at lock last week, but was moved back to the bench for Luca Moretti ahead of kick-off. The veteran utility has been handed the No.13 jersey again.
Dylan Brown remains on the outer as his Parra career ends with a whimper.
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Zac Laybutt
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Braidon Burns
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Harrison Edwards
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Marly Bitungane
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Kai O'Donnell
17. Coen Hess
18. Jaxson Paulo
19. Semi Valemei
20. Nicholas Lenaz
21. Jamal Shibasaki
22. Kaiden Lahrs
Cowboys team news:
Todd Payten's side are in dire form and are out of the running for finals footy, but they are set to receive some good news this week.
Jake Clifford and Jason Taumalolo will return from injury to give the Cowboys a different look to the side that played against the Sharks.
Clifford's return from a quad issue pushes Jaxon Purdue back into the centres and sees Jeremiah Nanai return to the backrow.
There is also another re-shuffle in the backline with Robert Derby dropping out of the side due to injury. Zac Laybutt takes over on the wing, while Viliami Vailea makes his return from a long-term injury.
Taumalolo's inclusion comes at the expense of Griffin Neame up front, with the injured prop a rare bright spot for the Cowboys during their loss in the Shire.
Thomas Mikaele will return from a knee issue to take his place on the pine and he is joined there by last week's debutant Marly Bitungane. Kaiden Lahrs misses out on the 17.
Meanwhile, Murray Taulagi is not expected back from a hamstring injury until Round 25. Jordan McLean and Sam McIntyre remain in the casualty ward with him.
Karl Lawton still has one more game to serve of his suspension for dangerous contact.
NRL RESULTS THIS WEEKEND:
Melbourne Storm (Wurundjeri) 22-2 Brisbane Broncos (Yuggera & Turrbal)
(Thursday, August 7 at AAMI Park, 7:50pm AEST)
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Grant Anderson
4. Nick Meaney
17. Joe Chan
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Jonah Pezet
15. Ativalu Lisati
16. Tui Kamikamica
21. Alec MacDonald
19. Bronson Garlick
Storm team news:
Craig Bellamy has made just one change to his side after they scraped to a narrow 16-10 victory over Parramatta last week.
Trent Loiero was rested after a busy Origin period but is back on deck for this one. He has been named to start at lock, with Ativalu Lisati dropping to the bench and Bronson Garlick going to the reserves.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona is available again after serving his suspension. However, there is no sign of him in the squad.
Meanwhile, Alec MacDonald has been named in the extended squad for the second consecutive week after recovering from a rib issue.
Jahrome Hughes is confined to the casualty ward with a shoulder injury, while Will Warbrick and Sua Faalogo remain unavailable.
UPDATE:
Jack Howarth has dropped out of the side due to a groin injury. He was initially replaced by Kane Bradley. However, Joe Chan has since been named in the centres.
Meanwhile, MacDonald has been added onto the pine as he returns from a rib injury.
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Ben Hunt
10. Payne Haas
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Billy Walters
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Ben Talty
17. Jaiyden Hunt
18. Tyson Smoothy
Broncos team news:
Reece Walsh escaped with a fine for a shoulder charge during his side's win last week, so he will be free to take his place at the back.
Selwyn Cobbo and Deine Mariner were brought onto the wings for Jesse Arthars and Josiah Karapani last week and have held onto their spots after the Broncos put 60 points on an injury-ravaged Rabbitohs side.
Payne Haas was a late out in Round 22 due to a medical issue, but has been brought back into the fold. The star prop replaces Xavier Willison, who has been sidelined with a fractured forearm.
Brendan Piakura is unavailable after being a late withdrawal last week due to a head knock he suffered in training. Due to the short turnaround, Jack Gosiewski gets the nod in the backrow again.
Tyson Smoothy and Ben Talty were late additions to the bench against the Eels but the former hasn't held onto his spot after he went unused against the Bunnies. Jaiyden Hunt has been named instead.
Willison is joined in the casualty ward by fellow big man Ben Te Kura.
Newcastle Knights (Awabakal) 12-48 Penrith Panthers (Dharug)
(Friday, August 8 at McDonald Jones Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Dane Gagai
2. Dom Young
3. Fletcher Hunt
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Jake Arthur
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Jermaine McEwen
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Phoenix Crossland
14. Thomas Cant
15. Mat Croker
16. Tyson Frizell
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
18. Tyson Gamble
Knights team news:
Dane Gagai will continue at fullback after being able to recover from a leg issue he suffered before the bye.
Bradman Best provides a massive boost to the backline after missing the loss to the Raiders in Round 21 with a knee injury. The star centre forces Kyle McCarthy out of the side.
Jackson Hastings was dropped to the bench and Tyson Gamble was preferred at five-eighth in their most recent match. However, Adam O'Brien has dropped the pair to the reserves in favour of Jake Arthur.
Hastings and Jack Hetherington have lost their places on the bench, with Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana handed a place in the 17 along with Thomas Cant.
Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe are out for the rest of the season, while Dylan Lucas has joined the duo in the casualty ward.
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Izack Tago
4. Casey McLean
5. Brian To'o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Luke Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaiah Papali'i
14. Brad Schneider
15. Liam Henry
16. Matthew Eisenhuth
17. Scott Sorensen
18. Paul Alamoti
Panthers team news:
Penrith narrowly kept their winning run alive against the Gold Coast as they almost blew a 24-0 lead at the break against the stragglers.
Isaah Yeo suffered a shoulder injury during the 30-26 victory and will not play in this one. Scott Sorensen is scheduled to return from a leg complaint this week and is Yeo's replacement in the 17.
Meanwhile, Luron Patea has also dropped out of the team and Matthew Eisenhuth has been named in his place on the bench.
Liam Martin was listed to start against the Titans, but then dropped to the bench late as Isaiah Papali'i was preferred.
The NSW enforcer has been handed a starting spot again this week, while the Kiwi forward has taken the No.13 jersey.
Canberra Raiders (Ngunnawal) 28-12 Manly Sea Eagles (Cammeraygal / Gayamaygal & Garigal)
(Friday, August 8 at GIO Stadium, 8:00pm 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. Josh Papali’i
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Morgan Smithies
17. Ata Mariota
18. Noah Martin
Raiders team news:
Canberra's nine-game winning streak came to a crushing halt in the rain against the Dragons last week, although Ricky Stuart has refused to make any changes to his side.
The Raiders will now look to get back to winning ways when they host the Sea Eagles in the nation's capital.
Matty Nicholson is nearing a return from a long-term injury, while Savelio Tamale is expected to miss at least another two weeks as he seeks to recover from a knee injury.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Tommy Talau
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Matthew Lodge
14. Jake Simpkin
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Corey Waddell
12. Michael Chee Kam
13. Jake Trbojevic
9. Jazz Tevaga
15. Aaron Schoupp
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Toafofoa Sipley
18. Caleb Navale
Sea Eagles team news:
Anthony Seibold faced a tough decision on whether to pull the plug on Tom Trbojevic in the centres. However, he has had the call made for him with Lehi Hopoate ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
Turbo has reverted to fullback, while Tommy Talau has been promoted off the bench and will start in the centres with Reuben Garrick remaining on the wing.
The Sea Eagles' backrow stocks have taken another hit, with Ben Trbojevic joining Haumole Olakau'atu on the sidelines.
Trbojevic copped a head knock during Manly's loss to the Roosters last week and has been replaced by Michael Chee Kam, who bagged a try and made 32 tackles during Manly's NSW Cup loss to the Chooks.
Jazz Tevaga suffered a hip injury during last week's loss but has been listed in the No.9 jersey, with support provided off the bench by Jake Simpkin.
The hooker is joined on the pine by a fresh face in Aaron Schoupp.
Taniela Paseka and Nathan Brown remain in the casualty ward, with the latter only expected back if the club reaches the finals.
Lachlan Croker has been sidelined for the past few weeks with a concussion and his condition remains unknown.
UPDATE:
In a late switch, Simpkin has been brought into the starting side and will replace Tevaga.
St George Illawarra Dragons (Dharawal & Yuin) 22-14 Cronulla Sharks (Dharawal & Gweagal)
(Saturday, August 9 at Jubilee Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
18. Hayden Buchanan
5. Corey Allan
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Luciano Leilua
15. Hamish Stewart
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
16. Hame Sele
17. Blake Lawrie
21. Jacob Halangahu
19. Ben Murdoch-Masila
Dragons team news:
St George Illawarra stunned Canberra last week and Shane Flanagan has rewarded this win by naming an unchanged side.
Christian Tuipulotu and Jaydn Su'A are still sidelined, while Valentine Holmes, Sione Finau, Dylan Egan, Toby Couchman and Ryan Couchman have been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
UPDATE:
Mathew Feagai has dropped out of the backline, with Hayden Buchanan handed an NRL debut.
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Sifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
15. Toby Rudolf
16. Thomas Hazelton
18. Billy Burns
20. Hohepa Puru
14. Daniel Atkinson
Sharks team news:
Craig Fitzgibbon's side have now won four matches in a row as they appear to have found form at the right time.
Billy Burns dropped off the bench late last week against the Cowboys, with Tom Hazelton brought in to make his first appearance in over three months.
The prop is joined on the pine this week by the returning Toby Rudolf, who missed last week due to a concussion. Jesse Colquhoun has been sidelined after being issued with a one-match ban.
KL Iro is scheduled to return from a pectoral injury in Round 26 or Round 27.
UPDATE:
Oregon Kaufusi has dropped out of the side and the prop has been replaced up front by Braden Hamlin-Uele. Meanwhile, Burns has been added to the bench.