Entering Round 8, 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.
Entering Round 8, 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 Nathan Cleary, Dominic Young and Jai Arrow, while Kalyn Ponga, Junior Tupou and Jamal Fogarty headline the losses.
Teams will be named on Tuesday at 4pm (AEST), but here is all the latest in news and rumours.
For the first time in a while the New Zealand Warriors have suffered no injuries last week meaning they could go into the clash as an unchanged side.
However, while utility playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita (leg) sustained an injury last week and was a late withdrawal from the team, Dylan Walker (ankle) may finally make his long-awaited return to the interchange bench.
The club's injury list currently includes Harris-Tavita, Jazz Tevaga (hamstring), Bunty Afoa (hamstring), Demitric Sifakula (knee), Dylan Walker (ankle), Freddy Lussick (suspension), Luke Metcalf (leg), and Marata Niukore (foot).
Projected Round 8 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. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Tom Ale 16. Jacob Laban 17. Adam Pompey
The Gold Coast Titans could make some changes depending on the availability of Phillip Sami (ankle). A chance to return, Sami's inclusion into the side will cause a complete shake-up in the backline.
If available, Sami is likely to slot into the fullback position at the back of the field, causing AJ Brimson to shift into the halves at the expense of Tanah Boyd.
However, Sami may also move into the centres which would see Brimson remain at fullback and Boyd remain in the halves alongside Kieran Foran.
In good news for Titans fans, Keenan Palasia (quad) should make his return to the NRL this week and will take a spot on the interchange bench with Josiah Pahulu, the likely player to make way.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Phillip Sami 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Isaac Liu 14. Sam Verrills 15. Erin Clark 16. Klese Haas 17. Keenan Palasia
Shane Flanagan will welcome back Jack Bird (concussion) into the team this week, which means Zac Lomax will slot back to the wing in Christian Tuipulotu's place.
A late inclusion into the team last week after signing from the Super League, hooker Fa'amanu Brown will keep his spot on the interchange bench.
Luciano Leilua (calf) is also slated to make his return to the team after missing the past two weeks with Ben Murdoch-Masila dropping out of the side.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 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
After spending an extra week on the sidelines, Sam Walker will re-enter the team for the ANZAC Day clash, pushing Zach Dockar-Clay to drop out of the team.
Winger Dominic Young will return from suspension this round, meaning Michael Jennings will drop down to the reserves with Joseph Suaalii entering the centres once again.
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.
Projected Round 8 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
The Melbourne Storm will likely roll out an unchanged side after sustaining no injuries or suspensions last week against the Sydney Roosters.
Both Tepai Moeroa (back) and Sua Fa'alogo (ankle) are set to be back from respective injuries but will likely make their comeback through the NSW Cup for the North Sydney Bears.
Prop Tui Kamikamica (calf) is set to return in Round 10.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Joe Chan 17. Alec MacDonald
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Jai Arrow has confirmed he will be a certain starter this weekend and will make his return after last playing in Round 1 against the Manly Sea Eagles.
His arrival in the team is likely to see Jacob Host pushed back to the interchange bench.
The Rabbitohs have two options to replace winger Tyrone Munro in Izaac Thompson and Jacob Gagai. According to multiple publications, the latter is expected to play his first NRL game since Round 1.
While Cameron Murray (concussion) will be cleared to play, prop Tevita Tatola has been sidelined for around three months with a fractured foot. Youngster Davvy Moale looms as his possible replacement in the front row.
The Herald has also reported that hooker Damien Cook will be recalled into the team. Cook's return will see him take a spot on the bench after spending a week in the NSW Cup.
Dean Hawkins will remain in the halves after Lachlan Ilias sustained a broken leg in the NSW Cup.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Jacob Gagai 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jack Wighton 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Davvy Moale 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Damien Cook 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Jacob Host
The Manly Sea Eagles will receive two big inclusions to their forward pack this week but two players still remain on the sidelines.
Josh Aloiai (suspension) and Nathan Brown (knee) are set to make their respective returns to the side and will easily slot in the starting 17.
However, Ben Trbojevic won't make his return until next week and Toafofoa Sipley (MCL) is still unavailable and is set to spend even longer on the sidelines.
Project Round 8 Team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Matt Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Aaron Woods 17. Nathan Brown
The Parramatta Eels are bound to make some team changes for this week after a disappointing performance last week in Darwin against The Dolphins.
Maika Sivo could be set for a recall as Brad Arthur aims to shake-up a backline that struggled last week. If selected, he will likely come in for Morgan Harper which will see Bailey Simonsson move to the centres.
Five-eighth Daejarn Asi (concussion) won't be available for selection this week, meaning Arthur will have two choices to replace him; Blaize Talagi or Ethan Sanders.
Talagi has seemingly struggled in the position over the past few weeks, this would mean Sanders will likely earn his NRL debut despite the Canberra Raiders tabling a three-year deal to him early last week.
Ofahiki Ogden (pec), Haze Dunster (foot), Mitchell Moses (foot) and Toni Mataele (hamstring) are still some time from returning.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Bailey Simonsson 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J'maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Blaize Talagi
The Wests Tigers will be forced into at least one change for the clash against the Broncos, with winger Junior Tupou leaving the field last week with a suspected broken foot.
"I think he's got a broken foot, so that hurt a bit," Marshall said.
"I think, I don't know. That's what he reckons."
His absence will create a vacant spot in the backline which will see several players vying for his spot in the team.
The four favourites to replace him on the wing are rookie Alex Lobb, centre Solomona Faataape, rugby union convert Solomon Alaimalo and utility Asu Kepaoa, who has previously found himself playing in the backline.
However, if Starford To'a (ankle) is available for selection he is a near certainty to make his way back into the team and will push Brent Naden to the wing.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Justin Olam 4. Starford To'a 5. Brent Naden 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Twal 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Samuela Fainu
The Brisbane Broncos will receive a triple boost this weekend with Brendan Piakura (ankle), Adam Reynolds (hamstring), Deine Mariner (back) and Payne Haas (knee) all returning to the field, per The Courier Mail.
The trio's arrival will see Jock Madden and Jaiyden Hunt exit the team, and Fletcher Baker move to the interchange bench. Corey Oates will also depart the team but could be a chance to move to the interchange bench.
News Corp has reported that Kotoni Staggs picked up a suspected leg injury last week but is expected to take the field and isn't in any major doubt.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Jesse Arthars 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
Todd Payten is set to name an unchanged team this week apart from one change, with no players succumbing to injuries or suspensions.
Second-rower Heilum Luki (ankle) is set to be the only change and will enter the starting second-row immediately after being sidelined.
Winger Murray Taulagi still remains on the sidelines while Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Achilles) will return mid-season.
Projected Round 8 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. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Star halfback Nathan Cleary will finally make his return to the team, meaning Brad Schneider will move out of the halves.
A late withdrawal against the Wests Tigers due to personal reasons, centre Taylan May is also firming for a return, but Paul Alamoti will remain on standby.
Fullback Dylan Edwards appeared to suffer a leg injury on Saturday, but this would be downplayed by coach Ivan Cleary, who admitted that he belives it wasn't anything serious.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneider 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 Dolphins produced a dominant 44-16 performance against the Parramatta Eels last week and will likely remain unchanged.
However, Kurt Donoghoe (suspension) and Connelly Lemuelu (knee) will be available for selection but will unlikely be rushed back.
Trai Fuller impressed in his second NRL game, while Sean O'Sullivan provided great versatility off the interchange bench.
Felise Kaufusi (hamstring) and Thomas Flegler (shoulder) may make returns, but their availability is indefinite.
Other players on the casualty ward include Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (hamstring), Herbie Farnworth (shoulder), Anthony Milford (suspension), and Tom Gilbert (knee).
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Kenneath Bromwich 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Sean O'Sullivan 16. Ray Stone 17. Jarrod Wallace
The Newcastle Knights are forced into at least two changes for this weekend with Jack Hetherington (suspension) and Kalyn Ponga (foot).
As reported by News Corp, Ponga is set to be sidelined for at least two months after sustaining a foot injury against the Canterbury Bulldogs.
It is understood that he will meet with a specialist on Monday but will miss at least eight weeks if he doesn't undergo surgery.
However, forward Tyson Frizell's (hamstring) should return to the team for Sunday after spending the last three-weeks on the sidelines.
The publication reports that Dane Gagai may enter the team as the fullback, with Dylan Lucas pushing back to the centres.
David Armstrong and Will Pryce are two other options to replace him at fullback, while Fletcher Sharpe (hamstring) is also out with an injury.
Newcastle Herald columnist Barry Tohey has also reported that Jed Cartwright is a chance to play his second NRL game for the club.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. David Armstrong 2. Enari Tuala 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Dylan Lucas 17. Jed Cartwright
The Canberra Raiders will have to make at least one change to their halves after Jamal Fogarty left the field with a ruptured bicep and is set to miss at least 12 weeks of footy.
Zero Tackle understands that Manly Sea Eagles recruit Kaeo Weekes will take his spot in the team partnering alongside Ethan Strange. This was first reported by The Daily Telegraph.
Skipper Elliott Whitehead (calf) and Zac Hosking (shoulder)still remain in doubt, with the recovery of their injuries being listed as indefinite, and the club has yet to provide an update on his condition.
Albert Hopoate (burns) is also available, but it could be hard seeing him replace James Schiller.
In other injury news at the club, Corey Horsburgh (groin) and Jordan Rapana (knee) won't be back until at least Round 11-13.
Projected Round 8 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
The Cronulla Sharks will make at least one change, with Sione Katoa (suspension) returning and will push Samuel Stonestreet out of the team after his NRL debut last weekend.
Dale Finucane (facial injury) and Royce Hunt (calf) are also a strong chance to return.
However, it is hard to see Craig Fitzgibbon making any changes due to how dominant they have been in recent weeks.
Projected Round 8 Team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 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