Entering Round 9, some NRL clubs are set to receive significant boosts to their team, while others have lost key players as they look to clinch the two points.
Some big additions this week include Victor Radley, Sunia Turuva and Selwyn Cobbo, while Moeaki Fotuaika, Moses Suli and Nelson Asofa-Solomona headline the losses.
Teams will be named on Tuesday at 4 pm (AEST), but here is all the latest in team news and rumours.
Suffering a 54-20 points loss to the Storm last week, the Rabbitohs woes are set to continue with them not welcoming back any stars this week and will lose Taane Milne to suspension.
Izaac Thompson is the frontrunner to enter the team for Round 9 on the wing. There is also some doubt on the status of prop Shaquai Mitchell after he was a late withdrawal from the team last week.
If he isn't available, Michael Chee-Kam is the most suitable replacement, pushing Keaon Koloamatangi or Davvy Moale into the starting front row.
The club's injury list also currently includes Lachlan Ilias (leg), Tyrone Munro (collarbone), Richie Kennar (knee), Alex Johnston (hamstring), Campbell Graham (sternum), Tevita Tatola (foot), while Latrell Mitchell remains suspended until Round 10.
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Jacob Gagai 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jack Wighton 5. Izaac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Shaquai Mitchell 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Damien Cook 15. Siliva Havili 16. Davvy Moale 17. Jai Arrow
The Panthers have yet to provide an update on the condition of Scott Sorensen (knee) and Moses Leota (shoulder) after the duo were late withdrawals from last week's game against the Cowboys.
If unavailable, the duo will be replaced by Matthew Eisenhuth and Mavrik Geyer, just like last weekend, with Lindsay Smith and Luke Garner pushing to the starting team.
Ivan Cleary has confirmed that Sunia Turuva will return this week after being left out of the team due to his contract negotiations becoming a distraction last week.
“Sunia didn't play mainly because he was going through his contract decision and still negotiating,” Cleary said after the match.
“So it was something that has been sort of going on for a few weeks. I think people don't quite understand how much that can take out of someone, especially a young man with such a big decision.
“Not just professionally wise but emotionally. That's why we gave him the night off. He will be back next week.”
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
The Manly Sea Eagles will be worried about the availability of star pair Haumole Olakau'atu and Daly Cherry-Evans, who are facing two-game suspensions.
Both were charged with a Dangerous Throw last week on Shaun Lan and face a two-game ban with an early plea or a three-game ban if they unsuccessfully contest the charge at the judiciary.
However, the Sea Eagles do have Jake Arthur as coverage in the halves and have plenty of depth in their forward stocks.
The club are also hoping Toafofoa Sipley will be back after he has been on the sidelines for the past few weeks with a knee injury.
Sipley will easily force himself into the team if he is available but could potentially return next week instead.
Initially slated to make his return this week, Ben Trbojevic (hamstring) isn't meant to make his return over the next couple of weeks.
Project Round 9 Team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jake Arthur 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Ethan Bullemor 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Toafofoa Sipley 16. Matt Lodge 17. Nathan Brown
Despite losing 40-0 to the Cronulla Sharks, it's hard to see the Raiders making any dramatic changes due to their growing injury list that includes stars Corey Horsburgh, Jamal Fogarty, Zac Hosking and Jordan Rapana.
Ricky Stuart will be hoping skipper Elliott Whitehead (calf) can finally make his return to the field after spending a significant chunk on the sidelines.
Albert Hopoate may also make his return back to the team after spending the week in the NSW Cup and is a chance to replace either James Schiller or Xavier Savage.
The club's injury list also currently includes Corey Horsburgh (groin), Jordan Rapana (knee), Jamal Fogarty (bicep), Zac Hosking (shoulder) and Corey Harawira-Naera (medical issue).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Chevy Stewart 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 8. Josh Papalii 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Simi Sasagi 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Pasami Saulo
Brisbane Broncos duo Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo are both racing the clock to be fit for the clash against the Roosters and will be assessed on Tuesday, per the AAP.
The club will also be without five-eighth Jock Madden (pec) after he was taken from the field and failed to return back. While the injury is minor, he is in doubt for this week.
The Courier Mail initially reported that Tristan Sailor will be called up as a replacement and will play in the halves alongside Reynolds in the five-eighth jersey.
However, the publication has since stated that Mam has been cleared to play and ran without a red no-contact bib at training on Tuesday - the same can't be said for Selwyn Cobbo, who remains in doubt.
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Jesse Arthars 5. Corey Oates 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Fletcher Baker
Trent Robinson will have some difficult choices to make this week when the Roosters take in the Brisbane Broncos for the first time since their controversial match in Las Vegas.
After a demolition against the Dragons, it's hard to see any changes being made, but the club will welcome back Sitili Tupouniua, Daniel Tupou, Victor Radley and Sandon Smith.
Michael Jennings will be out with an arm injury though, with Daniel Tupou to return and Joseph Suaalii to move into the centres.
While Sitili Tupouniua (concussion) will return there is still some doubt around if Sandon Smith (elbow) will be available for selection as he continues to recover from injury - it is hard seeing him push Connor Watson out of the team.
The club's injury list also currently includes Billy Smith (knee), while Spencer Leniu will miss one more week due to suspension.
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Terrell May 17. Nat Butcher
Fresh off a bye, the Bulldogs will receive a well-timed boost in the return of second-rower Jacob Preston. Preston returns to the team after spending the past few weeks on the sidelines and will slot straight into the starting team.
Considering they are also coming off a victory against the Newcastle Knights, it's hard to see Cameron Ciraldo shake-up his squad too much and the team will likely remain the same apart from Preston coming in for the injured Chris Patolo.
The club's injury list currently includes Chris Patolo (knee), Kurt Mann (hand), Ryan Sutton (knee), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (knee) and Karl Oloapu (neck).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Josh Curran 17. Blake Taafee
The Wests Tigers won't be forced into any changes this weekend but may decide to switch up their halves after a disappointing performance against the Broncos.
Post-match, Benji Marshall disclosed that his halves needed to be better with their last play options; however, it is hard to see him dropping either Galvin or Sezer.
A potential option could see Aidan Sezer move to the interchange bench and call-up Latu Fainu into the starting halves. Jayden Sullivan is another potential option.
“I thought our last play options were terrible,” Marshall said.
“I thought some of our sets were clunky and looked like we were just making it up on the spot. Yeah, it was disappointing"
The club will also be sweating on the fitness of skipper Apisai Koroisau but he is expected to start.
The club's injury list also currently includes Junior Tupou (foot), Starford To'a (ankle) and Adam Doueihi (knee).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Justin Olam 4. Brent Naden 5. Solomon Alaimolo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Samuela Fainu 13. John Bateman 14. Aidan Sezer 15. Alex Twal 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Fonua Pole
Despite winning their first game of the season last week against the Warriors, the Titans may be forced into quite a few changes for Round 9.
Moeaki Fotuaika and Sam Verrills both sustained head knocks against the Warriors, but the club have yet to confirm if they will be absent due to the 11-day stand-down period.
They may also receive Phillip Sami (ankle) and Keenan Palasia (quad) back into the team, while Harley Smith-Shield failed warm-up and could push for a spot in the backline to replace Aaron Schoupp.
If Fotuaika is absent from selection, Palasia will be a direct replacement in the starting forward pack. After spending time as the 18th man, Joe Stimson is also a possibility.
The club's injury list also currently includes Jayden Campbell (knee) and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (knee).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Tanah Boyd 7. Kieran Foran 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 16. Isaac Liu 17. Josiah Pahulu
The Melbourne Storm will likely be forced into at least two changes. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (calf) is in doubt for the clash with an injury concern, while Xavier Coates left the field last round with a hamstring injury.
Not expected to be sidelined long-term, coach Craig Bellamy insisted that he is hopeful it's a minor strain, but Coates will not be rushed back.
"If we had to, we would have put him back on, but we thought it was safer to leave him off," Bellamy said.
"Sounded like he might be a chance [next week], but I'll have to see how he progresses throughout the week."
After retuning to the NSW Cup last week from injury, Sua Faalogo has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Coates, while Dean Ieremia, Marion Seve, Young Tonumaipea and Grant Anderson are other options.
Missing the past few weeks Tepai Moeroa (back) will substitute in for Asofa-Solomona.
It is understood that playmaker Jonah Pezet (knee) also sustained a suspected injury in the QLD Cup and was forced to be carried off the field.
The club's injury list also currently includes Tui Kamikamica (calf).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Sua Faalogo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tepai Moeroa 16. Joe Chan 17. Alec MacDonald
Todd Payten is forced into at least one change for the Cowboys this week after Tom Chester left the field with a hamstring injury midway through the opening half against the Panthers.
Set to spend several weeks on the sidelines, Zero Tackle understands that Viliami Vailea has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him in the team.
Second-rower Heilum Luki (ankle) is also set to make his return from injury and will push Kulikefu Finefeuiaki to the interchange bench and prop Thomas Mikaele out of the side.
The club's injury list also currently includes Murray Taulagi (hamstring), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Achilles), Coen Hess (knee) and Zac Laybutt (knee)
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Tom Chester 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Jason Taumalolo 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
The Dolphins have suffered a big blow to their forward pack for this week, with Jesse Bromwich (calf) and Kenneath Bromwich (concussion) sustaining injuries in Round 8.
Jesse will undergo scans for a calf injury after he was seen on the interchange bench with ice on, while Kenneath will be forced to undergo the 11-day stand-down period.
"It is a bit sore and tender but I will get scans. I haven't had a calf tear before," The Dolphins skipper said after the Knights match.
"It doesn't feel like a tear. It is either a bad cork or a little strain. If not (I will play) next week or the week after.
"I'm hoping I will be fine next week but (injuries) seem to be the story of our season. We've had a few guys get injured and guys come in and do a great job."
However, the club will receive some major boosts, with Felise Kaufusi (hamstring) and Connelly Lemuelu (knee) set to make their returns this weekend, per AAP.
"I am pretty sure we get Felise back next week and Connelly Lemuelu and they are two forwards we could do with," Bromwich added.
Anthony Milford is also available for selection after spending a stint on the sidelines via suspension.
The club's injury list also currently includes Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (hamstring), Herbie Farnworth (shoulder), Thomas Flegler (shoulder), and Tom Gilbert (knee)
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Oryn Keeley 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 17. Connelly Lemuelu
Unfortunately, the Newcastle Knights will have to make several changes this weekend after Greg Mazhew (ankle), Jacob Saifiti (leg), and Jed Cartwright (ankle) all sustained injuries last week against The Dolphins.
The club will be hoping that they can welcome back Tyson Frizell (hamstring) from the casualty ward, while Jack Hetherington will return after serving a one-match suspension.
At this stage, it is unknown who will fill in for Mazhew on the wing, although after playing in the NSW Cup last weekend, it's a good bet Thomas Jenkins is the most likely contender. The other contenders to take his spot include Krystian Mapapalangi, Will Pryce, Fletcher Myers and Laitia Moceidreke.
The club's injury list also currently includes Kalyn Ponga (foot).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. David Armstrong 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Thomas Jenkins 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Dylan Lucas 17. Brodie Jones
After sustaining no injuries or suspension, the Warriors are set to run out with the same team they did in the Anzac Day loss to the Titans.
Kurt Capewell (throat) could return back to the team after missing last week, but the club has classified his injury as indefinite meaning he is no certainty to play.
Adam Pompey is also pushing for a spot on the interchange bench and may be recalled into the first-grade side.
The club's injury list also currently includes Chanel Harris-Tavita (calf), Jazz Tevaga (hamstring), Bunty Afoa (hamstring), Demitric Sifakula (knee), Freddy Lussick (suspension), Luke Metcalf (leg), and Marata Niukore (foot).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Jacob Laban 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Zyon Maiu'u 17. Paul Roache
Following another dominant performance, which saw them defeat the Raiders 40-0, the Cronulla Sharks are likely to make no changes for this week and keep the same team.
Toby Rudolf was a late withdrawal from the interchange bench but is expected to return, while Royce Hunt played his first game after injury last week, returning through the NSW Cup.
If Rudolf is unavailable, Zero Tackle understand that Tuku Hau Tapuha will once again be recalled into the team, just like the last round.
The club's injury list also currently includes Jesse Colquhoun (foot) and Brayden Trindall (stood down).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Shane Flanagan will be hoping to receive Luciano Leilua (calf) back into the team this round after missing the past few weeks and will slot straight back into the starting team.
His possible inclusion will be in place of Ben Murdoch-Masila. The club will also be without Moses Suli (concussion) due to the 11-day stand-down period while it is unknown at this stage if Mikaele Ravalawa (knee) will return after being a late exclusion.
Christian Tuipulotu, Max Feagai, Mat Feagai, Sione Finau and Savelio Tamale are waiting in the wings as potential replacements for Suli and Ravalawa.
The club's injury list also currently includes Corey Allan (knee).
Projected Round 9 Team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Savelio Tamale 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Fa'amanu Brown 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner