Just one month remains in the NRL regular season as clubs battle it out ahead of what is sure to be another absorbing finals campaign.
Penrith have climbed into the top four for the first time this year and will now be pitted against fellow heavyweights Melbourne, who will be without Ryan Papenhuyzen, in a grand final rematch to kick off the round.
Brisbane were thrown into disarray last week during their loss to the Storm, as Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds suffered hamstring injuries, forcing Michael Maguire to find a solution quickly.
Gold Coast also copped some injury issues during their loss to South Sydney, which saw Wayne Bennett's side snap a nine-game losing streak, although these have been offset by the return of their inspirational skipper this week.
Elsewhere, Anthony Seibold has made a big call as Manly attempt to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
MORE: All the latest injury news and updates for every NRL club
NRL SCORES THIS WEEKEND:
Penrith Panthers 18-22 Melbourne Storm
(Thursday, August 14 at CommBank Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)
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 made it nine wins in a row last week as they put Newcastle to the sword and climbed up into the top four for the first time this year. Ivan Cleary has named an unchanged side for this one.
The coach was evasive when asked when co-captain Isaah Yeo will return from a shoulder injury, which saw him miss the win over the Knights and Isaiah Papali'i continues at lock in his absence.
Meanwhile, Luron Patea is also in the casualty ward, with the prop sidelined by a collarbone issue.
Melbourne confirmed team:
6. Cameron Munster
2. Grant Anderson
1. Nick Meaney
4. Marion Seve
5. Xavier Coates
14. Jonah Pezet
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
3. Joe Chan
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Ativalu Lisati
18. Bronson Garlick
Storm team news:
Ryan Papenhuyzen is the major absentee after copping a head knock last week, so Nick Meaney takes over at the back.
Jack Howarth was a late withdrawal last week after he suffered a groin injury that will sideline him for the next few weeks.
Joe Chan was brought into the centres in Howarth's absence and has received the nod again, with Marion Seve also named in the centres after Meaney's positional switch.
Alec MacDonald was a late addition to the bench against Brisbane and keeps his spot on the bench.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has served his suspension but missed out on the win over the Broncos. Despite a starring display in the Queensland Cup, NAS is still out of the 17.
Will Warbrick is nearing a return from a long-term concussion issue, but is not scheduled to return in Round 24. He is joined on the injury list by Sua Faalogo and Jahrome Hughes.
UPDATE:
In a shock late move, Cameron Munster has been moved to fullback for the first time in years.
Munster's move to the back sees Meaney revert to the centres and Chan drop out of the backline and onto the bench.
Meanwhile, Jonah Pezet has been promoted from the pine and takes his place in the halves alongside Tyran Wishart.
New Zealand Warriors 14-10 St George Illawarra Dragons
(Friday, August 15 at Go Media Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
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
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Jackson Ford
11. Leka Halasima
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
14. Sam Healey
15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith
18. Freddy Lussick
Warriors team news:
Te Maire Martin was brought into the side at halfback against Canterbury but suffered a head knock during the loss. Tanah Boyd has been recalled into the side as his replacement.
In a major boost, Wayde Egan has returned from a shoulder complaint to take the No.9 jersey. Sam Healey drops to the bench and Freddy Lussick moves to 18th man.
James Fisher-Harris was a welcome late addition last week after he recovered from a calf issue and starts up front alongside Jackson Ford, while Marata Niukore has been named in the backrow.
However, it's not all good news on the injury front for the Warriors, with Kurt Capewell dropping out.
Leka Halasima has been brought back into the starting side as a result of the veteran's absence, while Eddie Ieremia-Toeava is the new addition on the pine.
Rocco Berry remains in the casualty ward and is joined in there by Jacob Laban, Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf as injuries have started to really bite the NZ outfit.
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
5. Corey Allan
3. Hayden Buchanan
4. Mathew Feagai
22. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
16. Hame Sele
17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
20. Jacob Halangahu
2. Tyrell Sloan
Dragons team news:
St George Illawarra backed up their surprise win over Canberra with a win over Cronulla last week and Shane Flanagan has tried to stick as solid as possible in his selections.
However, Moses Suli succumbed to a knee issue, so has been replaced in the centres by the returning Mat Feagai, who was a late out last week due to a groin injury.
Hayden Buchanan has kept his place in the backline after debuting last week amid an injury crisis which sees Valentine Holmes, Sione Finau and Nick Tsougranis all out.
Christian Tuipulotu is also nearing a return from a troublesome hamstring issue that has plagued him throughout the season.
The winger has been included in the extended squad and may be a late addition, while Nathan Lawson is also back in the frame.
Hamish Stewart was promoted into the starting side for Michael Molo, who picked up an ankle issue before the Sharks clash. The youngster has been named to start again, despite Molo returning to the side.
Jacob Halangahu debuted off the bench but has been unable to keep his spot in the 17, with Flanagan preferring Loko Pasifiki Tonga.
Jaydn Su'A is expected to sit out for at least one more week due to a leg injury.
UPDATE:
In a late change, Molo has dropped out of the side once again due to injury and Halangahu has been reinstated on the bench.
Meanwhile, Tyrell Sloan has dropped to 18th man, with Tuipulotu a welcome addition on the wing.
Sydney Roosters 32-12 Canterbury Bulldogs
(Friday, August 15 at Allianz Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Hugo Savala
7. Sam Walker
10. Lindsay Collins
14. Benaiah Ioelu
17. Spencer Leniu
11. Angus Crichton
13. Victor Radley
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Connor Watson
12. Egan Butcher
15. Salesi Foketi
16. Blake Steep
18. Ethan King
Roosters team news:
Trent Robinson made several late changes to his side before last week's win, with Connor Watson dropping to the bench for the second week in a row. Regardless, the hooker has been named in the No.9 jersey ahead of Benaiah Ioelu.
Spencer Leniu was brought into the starting side at prop, while Naufahu Whyte switched to lock and Victor Radley dropped to the bench. The initial configuration of the forwards has been repeated this week.
Siua Wong suffered a head knock during the big win over the Phins and will miss at least one match. In his absence, Egan Butcher starts on an edge.
Blake Steep is the new face on the bench after losing his spot in the 17 for the past few games.
UPDATE:
In a plethora of late changes, Robinson has altered his pack with Ioelu and Leniu moved into the starting side, Radley moved to an edge and Whyte switched to lock.
Canterbury confirmed team:
21. Connor Tracey
1. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Enari Tuala
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Josh Curran
17. Reed Mahoney
2. Jethro Rinakama
Bulldogs team news:
Cameron Ciraldo has decided to name an unchanged side after the Bulldogs got the job done against New Zealand.
Reed Mahoney was dropped to the bench late on before their comprehensive win over the Warriors and only had limited minutes. Bailey Hayward has been handed the No.9 jersey from the outset this week.
Sitili Tupouniua was scheduled to return from a hamstring issue, yet he remains on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, in better news, Connor Tracey is a chance of returning ahead of schedule this week after he has been included in the extended squad.
UPDATE:
Tracey has been cleared to play, so Jacob Kiraz reverts to the wing and Jethro Rinakama drops out in a late switch.
Brisbane Broncos 38-28 Dolphins
(Saturday, August 16 at Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Billy Walters
7. Ben Hunt
8. Corey Jensen
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Ben Talty
17. Jaiyden Hunt
18. Jesse Arthars
Broncos team news:
Selwyn Cobbo, Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds all suffered hamstring injuries during a disastrous night in Melbourne that has forced Michael Maguire into a host of changes.
Josiah Karapani has won the battle for a spot on the wing ahead of Jesse Arthars, while Ben Hunt moves from hooker to halfback and takes the reins of the side.
Billy Walters has been handed the No.6 jersey as Mam's replacement.
Cory Paix will take over from Hunt at dummy-half, with support off the bench set to be provided by Tyson Smoothy.
Brendan Piakura has missed the past two matches due to a concussion and the backrower remains on the sidelines.
As a result, Jack Gosiewski keeps his place in the starting side and Jaiyden Hunt will feature off the bench.
The casualty ward is swelling at Red Hill, with Cobbo, Mam and Reynolds joined by Xavier Willison and Ben Te Kura.
Dolphins confirmed team:
20. Trai Fuller
2. Jamayne Isaako
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
3. Jake Averillo
5. Tevita Naufahu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Mark Nicholls
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Aublix Tawha
11. Kulikefu Finefuiaki
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Kurt Donoghoe
14. Ray Stone
15. Connelly Lemuelu
16. Josh Kerr
18. Peter Hola
22. James Walsh
Phins team news:
Francis Molo has been issued with a one-match suspension after being charged for a high tackle during the Dolphins' heavy loss to the Roosters. Aublix Tawha and Mark Nicholls are set to start up front in the engine room.
Kulikefu Finefuiaki was promoted off the bench in the place of Connelly Lemuelu and has been listed in the starting side this week.
Kenny Bromwich has been handed his first appearance since Round 8, with Kristian Woolf opting for some experience off the pine.
Felise Kaufusi is suspended until Round 25, while Herbie Farnworth will not return until a few weeks after that as he bids to recover from a hamstring injury.
Tom Flegler is eyeing a return from a serious shoulder issue next season, with the prop one of several big-name absentees for the Phins.
Jack Bostock, Daniel Saifiti, Tom Gilbert and Max Plath are all out for the season.
UPDATE:
In a surprise switch, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been moved into the centres in the place of Max Feagai, while Trai Fuller will take over at fullback.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-16 Parramatta Eels
(Saturday, August 16 at Allianz Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
4. Isaiah Tass
5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
18. Tyrone Munro
6. Ashton Ward
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Siliva Havili
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Sean Keppie
11. Jacob Host
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Jai Arrow
15. Liam Le Blanc
16. Brandon Smith
17. Thomas Fletcher
22. Cody Walker
14. Shaq Mitchell
20. Salesi Ataata
Rabbitohs team news:
Latrell Mitchell made an impressive return from a quad injury in the centres last week as Wayne Bennett's side finally snapped a nine-game losing streak.
The backline has remained the same this week, with Campbell Graham ruled out for the rest of the year. Mikaele Ravalawa is still a week or two away from returning, while Jack Wighton is banned until Round 27.
Ashton Ward and Jamie Humphreys combined in the halves for the first time during the win over the Gold Coast and get the nod again. However, Cody Walker lurks in the reserves and could be a major late inclusion.
The Bunnies made several late switches against the Titans with Siliva Havili moving to prop, Peter Mamouzelos promoted into the starting side, Jai Arrow switching to lock and Lachlan Hubner dropping to the bench.
This has all been kept the same by Bennett, except for Hubner, who misses out due to a head knock. In his place, Shaq Mitchell has been added to the forward rotation for the first time this season.
Euan Aitken dropped out of the side late last week due to a hamstring issue and he remains out, so Tallis Duncan continues in the backrow.
Souths have an eye-watering injury list in their forward pack as Tevita Tatola, Davvy Moale, Keaon Koloamatangi and Cameron Murray are all unavailable.
UPDATE:
In a massive blow, Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out after suffering a pinched nerve in his back. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape has moved into the centres, while Tyrone Munro has been brought onto the wing.
Meanwhile, Walker has been added to the bench, with Shaq Mitchell dropping out of the 17.
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Joash Papali’i
2. Zac Lomax
3. Will Penisini
4. Dylan Brown
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. Luca Moretti
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Dylan Walker
16. Matt Doorey
17. Kelma Tuilagi
18. Jordan Samrani
21. Isaiah Iongi
Eels team news:
Parramatta claimed a nail-biting win over North Queensland last week and Jason Ryles has named an unchanged side.
However, there could be a major late change at fullback with Isaiah Iongi listed in the reserves as he seeks to return from a fractured hand ahead of schedule.
Dylan Brown was recalled to the side after a short exile, but in the unfamiliar position of centre. The New Zealand international has kept hold of his spot ahead of Jordan Samrani this week.
Dylan Walker dropped to the bench as Luca Moretti was preferred to start at lock against the Cowboys. This time, Walker has been named on the pine.
Sean Russell is expected to return from a hand issue in Round 27, while Sam Tuivaiti and Kitione Kautoga have been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Wests Tigers 26-12 Manly Sea Eagles
(Sunday, August 17 at Allianz Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Starford To'a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jarome Luai
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Sione Fainu
13. Alex Twal
14. Latu Fainu
15. Royce Hunt
16. Charlie Murray
17. Tony Sukkar
18. Heath Mason
19. Brent Naden
20. Kit Laulilii
21. Krystian Mapapalangi
22. Luke Laulilii
Tigers team news:
Benji Marshall's side returns refreshed off the bye and looking to build on their last-start win over Canterbury in Round 22.
Taylan May suffered a head knock against the Bulldogs, but has been named in the starting side. Starford To'a is set to return from injury and replaces Brent Naden in the other spot in the centres.
Adam Doueihi was initially named to start at lock against the Dogs before Marshall made a late switch to move him to halfback. The Lebanon international has been handed the No.7 jersey for this one.
Alex Seyfarth copped a ban for a high tackle and needs to be replaced in the backrow. Sione Fainu has moved to an edge, Alex Twal has taken over at lock, while Fonua Pole has been promoted to the starting side.
Charlie Murray is a new addition on the bench, while Jack Bird remains out of the picture due to injury.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Matthew Lodge
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Corey Waddell
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jazz Tevaga
14. Tommy Talau
15. Caleb Navale
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Toafofoa Sipley
18. Aaron Schoupp
19. Clayton Faulalo
20. Michael Chee Kam
21. Joey Walsh
22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Sea Eagles team news:
Anthony Seibold has made a big call upon the return of Lehi Hopoate. The young gun missed last week due to a shoulder issue, with Tom Trbojevic returning to fullback in his absence.
Turbo remains in the No.1 jersey for the must-win match against the Tigers, while Hopoate's inclusion in the backline sees Tommy Talau lose his spot in the starting side amid the re-shuffle.
Jake Simpkin was promoted from the bench against Canberra, with Jazz Tevaga dropping out of the starting side. The Sea Eagles have moved Tevaga to lock after Jake Trbojevic suffered a head knock.
However, it's better news for Ben Trbojevic, who is set to return from a concussion. He takes Michael Chee Kam's place in the 13.
Aaron Schoupp has lost his place on the pine to Caleb Navale.
Lachlan Croker, Taniela Paseka and Nathan Brown are still sidelined, while Haumole Olakau'atu is out for the rest of the year.
North Queensland Cowboys 38-4 Newcastle Knights
(Sunday, August 17 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Semi Valemei
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Zac Laybutt
5. Braidon Burns
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Karl Lawton
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Kai O'Donnell
17. Thomas Mikaele
18. Viliami Vailea
19. Marly Bitungane
20. Nicholas Lenaz
21. Jaxson Paulo
22. Kaiden Lahrs
Cowboys team news:
North Queensland are set to welcome a few experienced forwards back in a boost for the struggling outfit.
Jordan McLean and Thomas Mikaele are set to return from injury, while Karl Lawton has served his suspension. Lawton will be joined on the pine by fellow new face Harrison Edwards.
Nicholas Lenaz, Marly Bitungane and Kaiden Lahrs have all lost their places in the 17.
Coen Hess will be sidelined for the rest of the season after being charged for dangerous contact during his side's loss to Parramatta.
Murray Taulagi is tipped to return from a hamstring injury next week, although it's not such good news for Robert Derby and Griffin Neame, who have been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Connor Votano
2. Dom Young
3. Dane Gagai
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. Tyson Frizell
14. Matthew Arthur
15. Mat Croker
16. Thomas Cant
17. Brodie Jones
18. Jackson Hastings
19. James Schiller
20. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
21. Fletcher Hunt
22. Jack Hetherington
Knights team news:
Newcastle slumped to another defeat on home soil last week as they were battered by Penrith.
Adam O'Brien has responded by handing a debut to Connor Votano at fullback and returning Dane Gagai to the centres. Fletcher Hunt drops out as a result of the change.
Jake Arthur and Jack Cogger were given the nod in the halves and have been handed another run together against North Queensland.
Phoenix Crossland suffered a head knock during his side's loss to the Panthers and will miss at least one match. In his absence, Tyson Frizell has been named at lock.
Matthew Arthur has also grabbed a spot in the 17 as the Knights need some support for Jayden Brailey at hooker.
Brodie Jones has missed the past few matches due to illness, but he has been added to the bench with Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana dropping to the reserves.
Adam Elliott is nearing a return from a long-term injury, while Kayln Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe and Dylan Lucas are not expected to play again this year.