Sharks fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief with Nicho Hynes set to play his first NRL game of the year, while his former side the Storm also get their most important player back from injury.
Hynes missed the first three rounds due to a calf injury and his return is timely for a Sharks side that has won one game and conceded the most points so far after basing their game on defence last year.
The Dally M medallist slots straight back into the halves, where he’ll partner veteran Matt Moylan, as Braydon Trindall goes back to the bench for the local derby despite a strong start to the year.
The struggling Storm has also received a huge boost with Cameron Munster named to return from the gruesome finger injury he suffered in round 1.
He’s been named to partner Jahrome Hughes in the halves, but the New Zealand international will be replaced by young gun Jonah Pezet if he’s unsuccessful at the judiciary.
The Storm head into Friday’s game against the winless Wests Tigers as massive favourites but their opponents could pose a few headaches, with Tim Sheens shuffling his backline after a second-half gamble nearly paid off last week.
Adam Doueihi shifts to fullback and Brandon Wakeham starts in the halves alongside Luke Brooks, while veteran David Nofoaluma has been dropped and regular No.1 Daine Laurie returns on the bench.
The only other winless team after three rounds, Parramatta, welcomes back Ryan Matterson from suspension after he chose to cop a ban rather than pay a fine.
It’s fitting that he returns in the back row for the grand-final rematch against Penrith, with Brendan Hands set to make his NRL debut for the blue and golds having come through the lower grades with the Panthers.
There are no changes for the Broncos ahead of the mouthwatering derby against the Dolphins, who have brought Anthony Milford into their extended squad.
Felise Kaufusi has been named in the back row but must have his charge downgraded at the judiciary if he wants to play.
It’s derby central in Queensland this week where the Titans head to Townsville with the same 17 that knocked off the Storm, while the Cowboys have suffered a blow with Reuben Cotter (knee) expected to miss the next 2-4 weeks.
The Rabbitohs are dealing with a crisis up front with three forwards ruled out of Saturday’s blockbuster against the Sea Eagles.
Shaquai Mitchell (foot) is looking at a lengthy stint on the sidelines, Tevita Tatola (knee) is set to miss a couple of weeks and Hame Sele (HIA) won’t play under the new concussion stand-down policy.
The Bunnies do get Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Jacob Host back against a Sea Eagles side that remains unchanged from the one that snuck past Parramatta.
There’s mixed news for the high-flying Warriors who get Charnze-Nicoll Klokstad back for their first game in Auckland this year, while Jackson Ford also returns in the back row.
But Mitch Barnett (neck) and Wayde Egan (head knock) have been ruled out, which means Freddy Lussick gets a crack at dummy-half against the Bulldogs.
There’s been a massive change at the Knights with Roosters-bound winger Dom Young sensationally dropped after he made several errors against the Dolphins, leading to speculation he could be released early.
His spot on the wing has been taken by the powerful Greg Marzhew, who will make his club debut alongside the returning Jayden Brailey, who is back from a head knock.
The Knights are looking to bounce back at home against a Raiders side that welcomes back rep star Josh Papali’i, while Zac Woolford replaces Danny Levi who will be out for a while with a broken jaw.
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