Canterbury continued their unbeaten start to the season in Round 7 as they battered South Sydney during a record-breaking Good Friday performance.
It isn't quite so easy for everyone else though with Melbourne letting a lead slip on their way to a hammering at the hands of the Dolphins. Brisbane were also beaten across the ditch with Reece Walsh copping a knee injury.
The Broncos star wasn't the only casualty from the round with the Storm, Phins and Manly also suffering injury blows.
Meanwhile, clubs will be sweating on a host of stars ahead of Round 8 after they were ruled out late due to various issues.
MORE: NRL injury list - Your club’s medical news, casualty ward, player return dates
Wests Tigers vs. Cronulla Sharks
(Sunday, April 27 at Leichhardt Oval, 4:05pm AEST)
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi
4. Starford To'a
5. Brent Naden
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
19. Heath Mason
21. Solomona Faataape
Tigers team news:
Benji Marshall opted to drop Lachlan Galvin after his tumultous week, yet the decision came back to bite the coach with the Tigers slumping to a defeat against the Eels.
Galvin has been brought straight back in at five-eighth, with Jarome Luai returning to halfback, Adam Doueihi moving to the centres, Brent Naden going to the wing and Luke Laulilii dropping out.
Royce Hunt was a late out for the Easter Monday clash but is back on deck in Round 8 with Tony Sukkar going to 18th man.
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Samuel Stonestreet
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Mawene Hiroti
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
20. Billy Burns
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Tuku Hau Tapuha
17. Tom Hazelton
18. Jayden Berrell
22. Jesse Colquhoun
Sharks team news:
Craig Fitzgibbon was expected to name an unchanged outfit after the Sharks got the job done against the lowly Knights.
However, injury has stopped him from doing this with Toby Rudolf dropping off the bench due to an ankle issue and Tuku Hau Tapuha added to the 17.
Kayal Iro is still expected to miss one more week with a hamstring injury, so Mawene Hiroti continues in his absence.
NRL RESULTS THIS WEEKEND (ROUND 8):
Brisbane Broncos 42-18 Canterbury Bulldogs
(Thursday, April 24 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)
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
16. Brendan Piakura
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Cory Paix
15. Corey Jensen
17. Jaiyden Hunt
18. Tyson Smoothy
19. Martin Taupau
Broncos team news:
Reece Walsh suffered a knee injury during his side's loss to the Warriors and is expected to be out for up to six weeks in a major blow for Brisbane.
Selwyn Cobbo takes the No.1 jersey with Deine Mariner brought back into the team on the wing.
Cory Paix was named to start but dropped back to the bench for Billy Walters ahead of the game in Auckland. Michael Maguire has handed Walters the No.9 jersey for this one.
Jaiyden Hunt was named to start in the backrow in the absence of Jack Gosiewski, however he was replaced by Xavier Willison in a late change. The big forward has kept his place in the 13.
Tyson Smoothy originally lost his spot in the side with Brendan Piakura back on deck after serving his ban.
However, Jordan Riki has since dropped out of the side with Piakura handed a starting role in his place and Smoothy added to the pine.
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Josh Curran
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Harry Hayes
17. Bailey Hayward
19. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Bulldogs team news:
The Dogs romped to their sixth win on the bounce on Good Friday with the good times rolling at Belmore.
In a rare piece of bad news though, Jack Todd suffered an arm injury against the Rabbitohs and drops out with Harry Hayes replacing him.
Daniel Suluka-Fifita, who was named to start at prop before dropping to 18th man in Round 7, has been listed in the extended squad this week.
Josh Curran was initially named to start on an edge but was switched to prop to accommodate the return of Viliame Kikau last week. This set-up remains the same.
Sydney Roosters 46-18 St George Illawarra Dragons
(Friday, April 25 at Allianz Stadium, 4:00pm 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:
Billy Smith returns from suspension and has caused a backline re-shuffle. The centre pushes Mark Nawaqanitawase to the wing with Dom Young dropping out after some poor form this season.
Nat Butcher suffered a knee injury early on against the Panthers and will join Lindsay Collins in the casualty ward. Spencer Leniu starts up front, as a result.
Angus Crichton will return from a groin injury after being a late withdrawal in Round 7. Salesi Foketi drops to the bench to allow for the Origin star's inclusion.
Taylor Losalu was brought onto the pine as a late addition last week but moves back to the reserves with Egan Butcher set to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from an ACL tear.
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Sione Finau
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
12. Jaydn Su'A
17. Dylan Egan
13. Jack de Belin
11. Luciano Leilua
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Emre Guler
19. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
Dragons team news:
The Red V's backline stocks have taken a hit with Mathew Feagai suffering an ankle injury after an illegal tackle from Tof Sipley. The winger has joined Christian Tuipulotu on the sidelines for an extended period.
Sione Finau is the next man up on the flank, although Corey Allan also lurks in the reserves.
Emre Guler has served his suspension and returns to the side. David Klemmer has kept his starting spot though. Meanwhile, Hamish Stewart has dropped out after he copped a head knock in Round 7.
Luciano Leilua has been named to start in the backrow for the past two weeks only to be moved to the bench late on for Dylan Egan. The same move has been repeated by Shane Flanagan.
New Zealand Warriors 26-12 Newcastle Knights
(Friday, April 25 at Apollo Projects Stadium, 6:05pm AEST)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Taine Tuaupiki
3. Rocco Berry
4. Ali Leiataua
5. Adam Pompey
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
10. Mitch Barnett
9. Wayde Egan
12. Marata Niukore
11. Kurt Capewell
14. Leka Halasima
13. Erin Clark
8. Jackson Ford
15. Bunty Afoa
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Jacob Laban
20. Tanah Boyd
Warriors team news:
The NZ outfit will be boosted by the return of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad after the fullback missed the win in Round 7 due to a concussion.
Taine Tuaupiki reverts to the wing with Edward Kosi going to the reserves. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are still sidelined.
Rocco Berry returns from suspension and takes his place in the centres with Kurt Capewell going back to an edge. Leka Halasima was impressive in the backrow and is unlucky to lose his starting spot.
Jacob Laban remains in the 17 ahead of Te Maire Martin, who drops to 18th man, despite his versatility.
In late changes, Jackson Ford has dropped to the bench with Marata Niukore moved to the front row and Halasima promoted off the pine.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
20. Jack Cogger
8. Tyson Frizell
14. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Mat Croker
9. Phoenix Crossland
15. Tyrone Thompson
16. Thomas Cant
17. Brodie Jones
21. Matthew Arthur
Knights team news:
Times are dire in the Hunter with Adam O'Brien's men slipping to their fourth defeat in a row last week.
James Schiller was controversially sent to the sin-bin for a high shot against Cronulla but is free to play in this one.
Phoenix Crossland picked up a leg injury during the defeat to the Sharks but has been named to start as he is expected to shake off the complaint.
Tyson Frizell also suffered an injury during the loss but remains in the side at prop with Jacob Saifiti still out with a calf injury.
The Knights will welcome Dylan Lucas back after he has missed the past month with a hamstring injury. His inclusion sees Thomas Cant drop to the bench, while Jermaine McEwen is out of the side completely.
Jack Hetherington and Adam Elliott remain unavailable due to injury.
In two late changes, Jack Cogger has been added to the side at halfback with Tyson Gamble dropping out. Meanwhile, Phoenix Crossland has dropped to the pine with Jayden Brailey named to start.
Melbourne Storm 24-16 South Sydney Rabbitohs
(Friday, April 25 at AAMI Park, 8:10pm AEST)
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
5. Xavier Coates
3. Grant Anderson
4. Nick Meaney
19. Sua Fa'alogo
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. Joe Chan
17. Lazarus Vaalepu
2. Kane Bradley
Storm team news:
Will Warbrick remains sidelined due to concussion but the Storm have received an injury boost with Nick Meaney returning from a facial fracture ahead of schedule. He takes his place in the centres to replace the injured Jack Howarth.
Kane Bradley was initially named on the wing ahead of Sua Fa'alogo. However, the two have since switched with Bradley going to 18th man.
Harry Grant was ruled out last week after picking up a hamstring strain with the captain sorely missed against the Phins. He will miss a few weeks of action with Bronson Garlick handed the No.9 jersey in his continued absence.
Tui Kamikamica is out after suffering an ankle issue with Lazarus Vaalepu taking his spot on the bench.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona will not return to the side despite being included in the extended squad as he continues to recover from a head knock he suffered in Round 3.
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Isaiah Tass
14. Jye Gray
7. Jayden Sullivan
8. Sean Keppie
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Tevita Tatola
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Euan Aitken
13. Jai Arrow
15. Siliva Havili
16. Davvy Moale
17. Tallis Duncan
19. Lewis Dodd
18. Liam Le Blanc
Rabbitohs team news:
Wayne Bennett has made some tough decisions after the Bunnies fell to their second loss in a row with a range of options to mix up his backline.
Latrell Mitchell had a quiet afternoon in the halves last week and the talisman has been returned to fullback with Jye Gray moving to the bench and Lewis Dodd dropping out.
Alex Johnston missed the defeat to the Bulldogs and remains out along with Tyrone Munro. In their absence, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape gets the nod on the wing with Campbell Graham sliding to the centres and Euan Aitken going to the backrow.
Jayden Sullivan has served his suspension and has been handed the No.7 jersey with Cody Walker reverting to five-eighth.
Lachlan Hubner suffered a head knock against the Dogs and will miss at least one match. Jai Arrow takes the No.13 jersey in his absence.
In a major blow, Cody Walker has been ruled out with a calf injury with Gray promoted off the bench and Lewis Dodd added to the bench.
North Queensland Cowboys 50-18 Gold Coast Titans
(Saturday, April 26 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
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
10. Jason Taumalolo
9. Reece Robson
22. Jordan McLean
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess
18. Harrison Edwards
19. Zac Laybutt
21. Karl Lawton
Cowboys team news:
Fresh off the bye, Todd Payten will welcome John Bateman back to the starting side after he missed their win in Perth due to illness.
The English international's inclusion sees Kai O'Donnell dropping to the bench with Jeremiah Nanai holding onto his place in the starting side.
Harrison Edwards was initially the man to miss out in an otherwise settled team. However, he has since been added to the side with O'Donnell dropping out.
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. David Fifita
15. Jaimin Jolliffe
16. Brock Gray
17. Arama Hau
18. Tony Francis
20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
Titans team news:
Des Hasler's side were thrown into disarray ahead of their Round 7 meeting with Canberra due to the loss of Jayden Campbell and David Fifita. The latter is surprisingly back on deck for this one.
In more positive news, Alofiana Khan-Pereira is back from a hamstring injury. His return sees Allan Fitzgibbon drop out of the side.
Chris Randall remains on an edge despite Fifita's return, while Klese Haas is out of the squad.
Brock Gray is back from suspension and pushes Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui out of the 17.
Penrith Panthers 10-26 Manly Sea Eagles
(Saturday, April 26 at CommBank Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Paul Alamoti
3. Izack Tago
4. Casey McLean
5. Tom 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. Brad Schneider
15. Isaiah Papali'i
16. Lindsay Smith
17. Mavrik Geyer
18. Daine Laurie
21. Matthew Eisenhuth
Panthers team news:
Penrith snapped their five-game losing streak against the Roosters last week but are set for more upheaval due to injury and suspension.
Luke Garner copped a head knock last week and will miss at least one match with Izack Tago returning to the centres after being benched in Round 7. Brian To'o remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Mitch Kenny has been hit with a two-game ban for his tackle on Nat Butcher and will be replaced by Luke Sommerton at dummy-half.
Liam Henry has been handed the No.10 jersey and will start up front instead of Lindsay Smith in an alteration from the front row rotation.
Scott Sorensen sustained a finger injury during the win over the Chooks but battled through to finish the clash and has been named to start.
Mavrik Geyer will make his first appearance of the season after being included on the bench, while Jack Cole remains in the reserves with Blaize Talagi selected once again at five-eighth.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
5. Lehi Hopoate
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
14. Tommy Talau
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
9. Jake Simpkin
16. Ethan Bullemor
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jazz Tevaga
15. Corey Waddell
17. Nathan Brown
18. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
22. Caleb Navale
19. Clayton Faulalo
21. Michael Chee Kam
Sea Eagles team news:
Manly have lost their last three on the bounce and need to address their slide quickly.
Tom Trbojevic's return ahead of schedule is a massive boost for Anthony Seibold's side, with Lehi Hopoate going back to the wing and Tommy Talau dropping to the bench.
Josh Aloiai was a late withdrawal last week but has been rushed back as his replacement, Tof Sipley, faces a lengthy ban for a hip-drop tackle.
The Sea Eagles' forward stocks are in trouble with Jake Trbojevic ruled out of this one after copping a head knock against the Dragons. Jazz Tevaga will take over at lock, while Jake Simpkin will start at dummy-half.
Nathan Brown and Ethan Bullemor have been named on the bench despite both suffering injury complaints last week. The duo will be joined on the pine by Corey Waddell who returns from suspension.
Lachlan Croker was nearing a return from a knee injury which has seen him miss the start of the season. However, his return date has now been pushed back to Round 11.
In two late blows, Jason Saab (ankle) and Josh Aloiai (shoulder) have dropped out of the side with Tommy Talau promoted off the bench to start on the wing and Ethan Bullemor starting up front.
Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Caleb Navale are the news faces on the bench.
Canberra Raiders 40-28 Dolphins
(Sunday, April 27 at GIO Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
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. Jed Stuart
Raiders team news:
After a slow start against the Titans, Ricky Stuart's side eventually got the job done to keep their impressive early season form going.
And the coach has named an unchanged outfit for this clash, with Morgan Smithies named at lock despite dropping back to the bench for Josh Papali'i in Round 7.
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
8. Daniel Saifiti
19. Sean O'Sullivan
10. Francis Molo
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Mark Nicholls
15. Ray Stone
16. Connelly Lemuelu
17. Josh Kerr
18. Kenny Bromwich
20. Oryn Keeley
21. Tevita Naufahu
Phins team news:
Kristian Woolf would have loved to name an unchanged side after they steamrolled the Storm at Suncorp. However, the win came at a cost with a few players picking up injuries.
Max Plath, who started at dummy-half, was expected to be out with a foot injury. However, he has been named to start once again with Jeremy Marshall-King remaining on the sidelines due to a leg laceration.
Felise Kaufusi has been ruled out though with a knee injury which has forced a re-shuffle in the forward pack.
Kaufusi was initially named to start at prop but switched to lock ahead of kick-off with Mark Nicholls added to the starting side up front last week. Nicholls has been handed the No.13 jersey in Round 8 with new recruit Francis Molo named to debut.
Molo has been eased back into action via reserve grade following his messy exit from the Dragons and will partner Daniel Saifiti in a powerful duo.