Just three weeks remain in the NRL regular season as clubs battle it out ahead of what is sure to be another absorbing finals campaign.
South Sydney have managed to climb up the ladder thanks to two wins in a row and will fancy their chances when they take on fellow injury-hit side, St George Illawarra.
A blockbuster clash on Friday night will see Penrith and Canberra lock horns in Mudgee before Melbourne and Canterbury square off in another big-name clash.
The New Zealand Warriors will try to keep their place in the top four when they take on the embattled Gold Coast Titans, with Andrew Webster set to welcome several players back from injury.
Meanwhile, Brisbane will continue to field a new partnership in the halves as Michael Maguire contends with a growing injury list.
MORE: All the latest injury news and updates for every NRL club
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. St George Illawarra Dragons
(Thursday, August 21 at Accor Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Tallis Duncan
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Ashton Ward
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Sean Keppie
9. Siliva Havili
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Jacob Host
12. Jai Arrow
13. Lachlan Hubner
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Brandon Smith
16. Cody Walker
17. Thomas Fletcher
18. Shaq Mitchell
19. Fletcher Myers
20. Salesi Ataata
21. Haizyn Mellars
22. Lewis Dodd
Rabbitohs team news:
Jye Gray played a starring role for Souths as they claimed back-to-back wins with a hard-fought victory over Parramatta and retains the No.1 jersey.
Latrell Mitchell was a late withdrawal last week after suffering a back injury and the Souths' talisman remains out. So, Tallis Duncan has been named to start in the centres after bagging a double there against the Eels.
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape suffered a head knock last week and has been ruled out for at least one match.Tyrone Munro grabs a starting spot on the wing, as a result.
Cody Walker returned from injury via the bench last week as he was eased back into action. Wayne Bennett has maintained his careful handling of the veteran as Ashton Ward has been handed the No.6 jersey again.
In a major boost, Keaon Koloamatangi is set to return from an ankle injury ahead of schedule and takes his place up front, with Siliva Havili moving to hooker and Peter Mamouzelos dropping to the bench.
Lachlan Hubner will return from a concussion and gets the nod at lock, with Jai Arrow shifting to an edge.
Jack Wighton remains suspended until the final game of the regular season, while Mikaele Ravalawa is still unavailable.
The likes of Davvy Moale, Tevita Tatola and Cameron Murray are confined to the casualty ward.
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Christian Tuipulotu
3. Hayden Buchanan
4. Mathew Feagai
5. Corey Allan
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jacob Halangahu
13. Ben Murdoch-Masila
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
17. Tyrell Sloan
18. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
19. Viliami Fifita
20. Nathan Lawson
21. Lachlan Ilias
Dragons team news:
St George Illawarra nearly pulled off a famous win last week against the Warriors after losing three forwards to concussions during the first half.
Jack de Belin and Hamish Stewart were wiped out in the same play, before Hame Sele departed from the match shortly afterwards.
The Dragons have a lengthy injury list and these three losses from last week are compounded by the fact that Jaydn Su'A and Michael Molo also remain in the casualty ward.
Jacob Halangahu has been handed a maiden NRL start in the backrow, while Ben Murdoch-Masila will start at lock amid the injury crisis.
Blake Lawrie was a late out in Round 24, but returns to the bench for this one.
Christian Tuipulotu made his return from a long-term hamstring injury during the defeat in Auckland starts on the wing, with Corey Allan lining up on the opposite flank once again ahead of Tyrell Sloan.
However, Sloan has been promoted to the bench after getting some game time as 18th man last week.
Moses Suli is still sidelined with a knee injury, although he is expected to return in the last round of the regular season.
The likes of Valentine Holmes, Toby Couchman and Dylan Egan have already been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Penrith Panthers vs. Canberra Raiders
(Friday, August 22 at Glen Willow Oval, 6:00pm 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
19. Isaah Yeo
20. Mavrik Geyer
21. Daine Laurie
22. Luke Sommerton
Panthers team news:
Penrith's nine-game winning streak was ended last week as the Storm gained some revenge in the second grand final rematch of the year. However, Ivan Cleary has opted to name an unchanged side for this one.
The coach was tight-lipped once again about Isaah Yeo's return date from a shoulder injury, although he could be a massive late inclusion this week after being included in the extended squad.
Liam Martin struggled with a shoulder issue during the defeat, but he is able to take his place in the backrow.
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jed Stuart
3. Matt Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe 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
19. Manaia Waitere
20. Danny Levi
21. Trey Mooney
22. Ethan Sanders
Raiders team news:
Canberra are fresh off the bye and looking to edge closer to claiming the minor premiership as they head into a blockbuster clash against Penrith in Mudgee.
Ricky Stuart has opted to name the same side that got the job done against Manly during their most recent match.
Matty Nicholson and Savelio Tamale were tipped to be in the reckoning for returns from injury. However, the duo remain out of contention.
Melbourne Storm vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
(Friday, August 22 at AAMI Park, 8:00pm AEST)
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Cameron Munster
2. Grant Anderson
3. Marion Seve
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Jonah Pezet
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Joe Chan
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Bronson Garlick
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Ativalu Lisati
18. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
19. Lazarus Vaalepu
20. Kane Bradley
21. Ryan Papenhuyzen
22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Storm team news:
Ryan Papenhuyzen was ruled out of the grand final rematch last week after suffering a concussion. He has only been named in the extended squad to start with for this one.
So, Cameron Munster has been handed the No.1 jersey after slotting into fullback in a late switch last week.
Marion Seve made just his second appearance of the season last week and he has kept hold of his place in the centres, with Jack Howarth still absent due to a groin issue.
Joe Chan was bumped to the bench because of the late Munster and Nick Meaney positional switch in Round 24. However, he has been handed a start in the backrow due to Shawn Blore's ankle injury.
Bronson Garlick is the new face on the pine. Meanwhile, Nelson Asofa-Solomona has spent the past few weeks playing in reserve grade and remains out of favour.
Jahrome Hughes is still in the casualty ward due to a shoulder issue, while the Kiwi playmaker is joined on the sidelines by Will Warbrick and Sua Faalogo.
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. 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
19. Toby Sexton
20. Jake Turpin
21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
22. Marcelo Montoya
23. Sitili Tupouniua
Bulldogs team news:
Cameron Ciraldo said he would stop naming players who were struggling with injuries and rely on his squad after their loss to the Roosters. However, the coach has named an unchanged side at the beginning of the week.
Connor Tracey returned ahead of schedule last week as he regained his place at fullback. His inclusion saw Jacob Kiraz move back to the wing and Jethro Rinakama drop out of the side.
The Dogs have, for now, resisted another change in their backline this week, with Marcelo Montoya only included in the reserves as he seeks to return from a neck injury.
Bailey Hayward was handed the No.9 jersey in Round 24 after bumping Reed Mahoney to the bench the week before. He has been named to start at hooker once again.
Sitili Tupouniua is scheduled to return from a hamstring injury, but has only been included in the extended squad initially.
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Dolphins
(Saturday, August 23 at 4 Pines Park, 3:00pm AEST)
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Tommy Talau
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. Aaron Schoupp
15. Caleb Navale
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Tof Sipley
18. Michael Chee Kam
19. Clayton Faulalo
20. Joey Walsh
21. Simione Laiafi
22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Sea Eagles team news:
Manly failed to show up against the Tigers last week despite their finals hopes going on the line.
Reuben Garrick suffered a shoulder injury during the defeat and has been replaced in the centres by Tommy Talau.
Meanwhile, Lehi Hopoate will continue on the wing and Tom Trbojevic at fullback.
Jazz Tevaga was moved to lock last week in the absence of Jake Trbojevic and remains in the No.13 jersey with doubts surrounding Trbojevic's return from a concussion this season.
Aaron Schoupp is the fresh face on the bench for the Sea Eagles.
Taniela Paseka is nearing a return from a foot injury that has sidelined him for the majority of the campaign, while Nathan Brown is unlikely to feature again this year due to a biceps injury.
Brown is joined in the casualty ward by the likes of Josh Aloiai and Haumole Olakau'atu.
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Max Feagai
5. Tevita Naufahu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Francis Molo
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Kulikefu Finefuiaki
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Kurt Donoghoe
14. Trai Fuller
15. Connelly Lemuelu
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Josh Kerr
18. Ray Stone
19. Aublix Tawha
20. Peter Hola
21. LJ Nonu
22. John Fineanganofo
Phins team news:
Trai Fuller was a late addition to the side last week as Kristian Woolf shuffled his backline before the loss to Brisbane. However, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been reinstated at fullback for this one.
In the continued absence of Herbie Farnworth, the coach has named Max Feagai upon his return from injury.
The Phins have received some welcome boosts up front, with Francis Molo and Felise Kaufusi returning from their suspensions.
The experienced duo have been brought straight into the starting side, with Mark Nicholls going back to the bench and Aublix Tawha dropping to the reserves.
Peter Hola and Ray Stone have lost their places on the pine, with Fuller handed the No.14 jersey.
Jack Bostock, Daniel Saifiti, Tom Flegler, Tom Gilbert and Max Plath have all been ruled out for the season.
Gold Coast Titans vs. New Zealand Warriors
(Saturday, August 23 at Cbus Super Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. Brian Kelly
4. Jojo Fifita
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Chris Randall
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. Keano Kini
15. Klese Haas
16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui
17. Josh Patston
18. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
19. Tukimihia Simpkins
20. Sean Mullany
21. Tom Weaver
22. Tony Francis
Titans team news:
AJ Brimson remains in the No.1 jersey, with Keano Kini easing back from a neck injury off the bench last week. The latter has been named as the utility for this one.
Brian Kelly will return from a head knock and his inclusion sees Beau Fermor revert to the backrow and Josh Patston drop out of the starting side.
Jojo Fifita is also back from an ankle complaint, with his inclusion pushing Phillip Sami to the wing and Tony Francis out of the side.
Jaimin Jolliffe has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign after suffering a knee injury last week. Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been promoted into the starting side in his absence.
Jacob Alick-Wiencke loses his spot on the bench, with Klese Haas returning after he dropped out ahead of Gold Coast's loss to Cronulla due to personal reasons.
David Fifita will not play again this season after he has been sidelined with an ankle issue that has plagued him throughout the campaign.
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Rocco Berry
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Demitric Vaimauga
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
16. Tanner Stowers-Smith
17. Leka Halasima
18. Taine Tuaupiki
20. Sam Healey
21. Bunty Afoa
22. Kalani Going
23. Edward Kosi
Warriors team news:
New Zealand bagged a vital two competition points last week with a hard-fought win over the Dragons. And they are now set to welcome several players back to the fold.
Rocco Berry is set to return from a shoulder injury and he has forced a number of changes in the backline. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns to fullback and Taine Tuaupiki drops out to accommodate the centre.
Te Maire Martin and Kurt Capewell missed last week's win due to head knocks, but will return. Martin pushes Sam Healey off the bench.
Capewell slots straight back into the backrow, where he is joined by Marata Niukore. As a result, Leka Halasima has dropped to the bench.
Meanwhile, Jackson Ford has been handed a three-game ban for a crusher tackle, with his place up front taken by Demitric Vaimauga.
Jacob Laban is only scheduled to return from a broken leg in the finals, while Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett have been ruled out for the season due to ACL injuries.
Parramatta Eels vs. Sydney Roosters
(Saturday, August 23 at CommBank Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Zac Lomax
3. Will Penisini
4. Dylan Brown
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Joash Papali’i
7. Mitch Moses
8. J’maine Hopgood
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Jack Williams
13. Dylan Walker
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Charlie Guymer
16. Matt Doorey
17. Jordan Samrani
18. Dean Hawkins
19. Haze Dunster
20. Dan Keir
21. Toni Mataele
22. Joey Lussick
Eels team news:
Isaiah Iongi returned ahead of schedule from a hand injury during last week's loss to South Sydney. He was named at five-eighth but actually played fullback.
Joash Papali’i, who wore the No.1 jersey, partnered Mitch Moses in the halves ahead of Dean Hawkins. And this is the set-up Jason Ryles has named from the start for this match.
Luca Moretti has dropped out due to injury, so Dylan Walker has been promoted into the starting side and Jordan Samrani added to the bench.
Samrani is joined on the pine by Charlie Guymer, with Ryles preferring to start with Kelma Tuilagi.
Sean Russell and Kitione Kautoga are only scheduled to return from their respective injuries in the final round of the regular season.
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Junior 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. Salesi Foketi
16. Egan Butcher
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Ethan King
19. Blake Steep
20. Taylor Losalu
21. Sandon Smith
22. Tom Rodwell
Roosters team news:
The Roosters made it three wins on the bounce last week as they eased to an impressive victory over the Dogs.
However, they have been hit with a blow as Daniel Tupou has dropped out of the side due to a head knock. Junior Tupou replaces the veteran on the wing.
Trent Robinson shuffled his forward pack just ahead of the game once again, with Spencer Leniu brought in at prop, Benaiah Ioelu starting ahead of Connor Watson, Naufahu Whyte switching to lock, Victor Radley going to an edge and Egan Butcher dropping to the bench.
The original set-up has been listed for the Chooks' Round 25 clash, although Butcher has been named on the pine from the offset due to Siua Wong's return from a head knock.
Blake Steep has lost his place in the 17, as a result of Wong's inclusion.
Newcastle Knights vs. Brisbane Broncos
(Sunday, August 24 at McDonald Jones, 2:00pm AEST)
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. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Jermaine McEwen
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Mat Croker
16. Thomas Cant
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
18. Francis Manuleleua
19. James Schiller
20. Matthew Arthur
21. Fletcher Hunt
22. Lachlan Crouch
Knights team news:
Newcastle are riding a six-game losing streak and look in trouble as they inch closer to the wooden spoon.
Connor Votano was handed a debut at fullback and despite a tough afternoon during his side's loss to North Queensland, he keeps hold of the No.1 jersey.
Jake Arthur and Jack Cogger partnered in the halves for the second match in a row and have been listed to start again.
Phoenix Crossland was absent against the Cowboys due to a head knock, yet the New Zealand international returns this week.
Crossland's return has pushed Jayden Brailey out of the starting side and Matthew Arthur off the bench.
Brodie Jones is also out of the side, with Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana the new addition on the pine.
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. Jaiyden Hunt
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Ben Talty
17. Jesse Arthars
18. Fletcher Baker
19. Delouise Hoeter
20. Jock Madden
21. Va'a Semu
22. Luke Gale
Broncos team news:
The Broncos got the job done against the Phins after coming from from behind to win the Battle of Brisbane.
Billy Walters and Ben Hunt combined in the halves for the first time and will look to build their partnership in the continued absence of Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds.
Jack Gosiewski picked up a collarbone injury during last week's win and has been replaced in the backrow by Jaiyden Hunt. Meanwhile, Jesse Arthars has been added to the bench.
Brendan Piakura remains out after copping a head knock in training a few weeks ago.
Piakura and Gosiewski are joined in the casualty ward by fellow forwards Ben Te Kura and Xavier Willison, while Selwyn Cobbo is also sidelined.
Wests Tigers vs. North Queensland Cowboys
(Sunday, August 24 at Leichhardt Oval, 4:05pm 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:
The Tigers have won three of their past four matches and will hope to keep their good late-season form alive when they host the Cowboys.
Benji Marshall has named an unchanged side after they got the job done against the Sea Eagles last week.
Starford To'a picked up a shoulder injury during the victory but he has been named to start in the centres. Brent Naden is likely to be first in line as his replacement, if he is ruled out.
Alex Seyfarth is still suspended, so Sione Fainu continues in the backrow along with his brother, Samuela.
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Semi Valemei
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
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. Zac Laybutt
17. Thomas Mikaele
18. Kai O'Donnell
19. Marly Bitungane
20. Nicholas Lenaz
21. Jaxson Paulo
22. Kaiden Lahrs
Cowboys team news:
North Queensland romped to a big win over the embattled Knights, so Todd Payten has named an unchanged side.
Viliami Vailea was a late addition to the backline last week, with his inclusion pushing Zac Laybutt to the bench and Kai O'Donnell to 18th man.
Murray Taulagi was scheduled to return from a hamstring injury but he remains on the sidelines.
Coen Hess is suspended for the rest of the campaign, while Robert Derby and Griffin Neame recently picked up injuries that ruled them out for the rest of the year.