A host of State of Origin stars are set to return to the fold for their sides after a majority of them were rested following Game II.
Penrith, North Queensland and Brisbane will welcome back some key players, with the likes of Dylan Edwards, Tom Dearden and Reece Walsh named to start.
There is also massive news at fullback with Kalyn Ponga and Ryan Papenhuyzen set to play, while Tom Trobojevic will also return from injury.
Although it's not all good news with Xavier Coates ruled out long-term with a hamstring injury and Harry Grant not included after suffering a facial injury in Origin II.
NRL NEWS: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
Canberra Raiders 12-16 Newcastle Knights
Sunday, July 7 at GIO Stadium (4.05pm)
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Matt Timoko
4. Albert Hopoate
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Adam Cook
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
12. Elliott Whitehead
15. Ata Mariota
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Danny Levi
16. Trey Mooney
17. Simi Sasagi
20. Emre Guler
18. Sebastian Kris
Raiders team news:
Jordan Rapana copped a head knock late in the piece against Melbourne but has been cleared to line up on the wing as Ricky Stuart persists with the same backline he fielded last week.
Kaeo Weekes starts at fullback, Adam Cook is at halfback while Seb Kris has only been included as 18th man.
Jordan Martin was ruled out with concussion on his debut and has been replaced on the bench by Simi Sasagi.
Hudson Young has dropped out late with Ata Mariota moved into the backrow and Emre Guler added to the bench.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Enari Tuala
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Will Pryce
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
18. Mat Croker
14. Fletcher Sharpe
15. Jacob Saifiti
16. Brodie Jones
17. Dylan Lucas
19. Jack Hetherington
Knights team news:
A major boost for the Knights with the return of their skipper Kalyn Ponga from injury. He takes his place at fullback with Fletcher Sharpe bumped to the bench.
Poenix Crossland failed his HIA last week, so is replaced at hooker by Jayden Brailey with Sharpe acting as the utility.
Leo Thompson was a late withdrawal last week due to an Achilles injury, but he is back on deck. Daniel Saifiti continues up front with Jacob Saifiti going back to the pine.
Dylan Lucas also missed out last week with a hamstring issue but will return in Round 18 via the bench.
Brodie Jones has beaten Mat Croker and Jack Hetherington to the final place in the side.
However, Croker has been a late addition at lock after Adam Elliott was ruled out of the clash.
NRL ROUND 18 SCORES, RESULTS:
Parramatta Eels 16-32 South Sydney Rabbitohs
Thursday, July 4 at CommBank Stadium (7.50pm AEST)
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Jake Tago
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Blaize Talagi
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitch Moses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Brendan Hands
15. Joe Ofahengaue
11. Ryan Matterson
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. Shaun Lane
10. Junior Paulo
14. Matthew Arthur
16. Matt Doorey
17. Charlie Guymer
18. Daejarn Asi
Eels team news:
Trent Barrett has made a number of changes after the Eels slipped to a narrow defeat against the Knights last week.
Maika Sivo struggled with a hamstring issue and will be sidelined for an extended period with Jake Tago named to make his NRL debut.
He isn't the only rookie added to the 17 though with Charlie Guymer named ahead of Makahesi Makatoa on the bench.
There is also a shuffle in the backrow with Ryan Matterson starting on an edge and Shaun Lane moving to lock.
In a late change, Junior Paulo has dropped back to the bench with Joe Ofahengaue named to start.
J’maine Hopgood has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season with a back injury in a massive blow for the strugglers.
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Taane Milne
4. Richard Kennar
5. Jacob Gagai
6. Jack Wighton
7. Cody Walker
8. Davvy Moale
9. Damien Cook
10. Sean Keppie
11. Cameron Murray
12. Jai Arrow
13. Keaon Koloamatangi
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Tallis Duncan
16. Tom Burgess
17. Michael Chee Kam
18. Jye Gray
Rabbitohs team news:
Fresh off the bye, the Rabbitohs will be boosted by the return of Origin stars Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray.
Jye Gray has dropped to 18th man as a result of Mitchell's inclusion at fullback despite impressing on his return from injury during their most recent win over the Sea Eagles.
Keaon Koloamatangi keeps his spot at lock despite Murray's return. The skipper will start on an edge with Michael Chee Kam dropping to the bench.
Jai Arrow is expected to play his final game of the season before heading in for surgery on his shoulder.
Liam Le Blanc has missed out with Tallis Duncan and Thomas Burgess preferred on the pine.
Siliva Havili is nearing a return from injury, while Campbell Graham, Tevita Tatola and Tyrone Munro remain long-term casualties.
Cronulla Sharks 16-20 Gold Coast Titans
Friday, July 5 at C.ex Coffs International Stadium (6.00pm)
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Daniel Atkinson
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
15. Royce Hunt
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Sifa Talakai
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Jack Williams
8. Thomas Hazelton
17. Teig Wilton
21. Tuku Hau Tapuha
19. Tom Rodwell
Sharks team news:
Craig Fitzgibbon has named a settled side despite the Sharks slipping to their second straight loss last week.
Sione Katoa has been ruled out due to concussion protocols with Daniel Atkinson to replace him on the wing.
Royce Hunt has been promoted off the pine ahead of Toby Rudolf, who was originally named on the pine. However, he has since dropped down to the NSW Cup with Tuku Hau Tapuha replacing him, whilst Tom Hazelton is on the bench.
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. Keano Kini
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
12. Beau Fermor
5. Jojo Fifita
18. Tanah Boyd
7. Kieran Foran
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Erin Clark
11. David Fifita
20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
13. Chris Randall
14. Isaac Liu
15. Josiah Pahulu
16. Keenan Palasia
17. Joe Stimson
22. Jaylan De Groot
Titans team news:
Des Hasler was set to welcome back a host of stars from injury as the Titans return from the bye.
AJ Brimson headlined the inclusions, although he has since been cut from the side with Tanah Boyd to take his place at five-eighth.
Jojo Fifita has been added into the backline after missing the most recent game due to illness, but Phil Sami drops out this week with a calf complaint. Beau Fermour shifts to centre, with Jacob Alick-Wiencke moving to the bench.
Jayden Campbell will also miss the clash after picking up a hand injury during his side's win over the Warriors.
Moeaki Fotuaika will return after missing his side's previous game due to Origin duties and will be partnered up front by Erin Clark.
Brisbane Broncos 6-14 Penrith Panthers
Friday, July 5 at Suncorp Stadium (8.00pm)
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Corey Oates
3. Deine Mariner
4. Selwyn Cobbo
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ezra Mam
7. Jock Madden
8. Corey Jensen
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
15. Xavier Willison
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
12. Kobe Hetherington
16. Josiah Karapani
17. Martin Taupau
18. Tristan Sailor
Broncos team news:
Kevin Walters will welcome his three Origin stars back after they were rested last week against the Warriors as they seek to arrest a four-game losing streak.
Reece Walsh replaces Tristan Sailor at fullback, while Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan have been added to the pack.
Kotoni Staggs hasn't been named due to personal reasons and is replaced in the backline by Corey Oates.
Billy Walters dropped back to the pine for Tyson Smoothy in Round 17 but has been named to start once again.
Xavier Wilson was a late addition to the starting side, with Tyson Smoothy dropping to the bench.
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
14. Daine Laurie
3. Izack Tago
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To'o
18. Brad Schneider
7. Jarome Luai
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
6. Jack Cole
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Liam Henry
17. Matthew Eisenhuth
2. Sunia Turuva
Panthers team news:
Ivan Cleary will welcome his Origin contingent back after all of them except Isaah Yeo were rested last week.
Dylan Edwards and Brian To'o are back, but late changes to the backline see Sunia Turuva and Jack Cole drop out for Daine Laurie and Brad Schneider
Jarome Luai returns at halfback with Cole now being the utility; Nathan Cleary still a few weeks away from returning.
Liam Martin's inclusion bumps Liam Henry to the bench where he is joined by Lindsay Smith and Matthew Eisenhuth.
Canterbury Bulldogs 13-12 New Zealand Warriors
Saturday, July 6 at Accor Stadium (3.00pm)
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Blake Wilson
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
13. Bailey Hayward
15. Josh Curran
16. Kurtis Morrin
17. Lipoi Hopoi
19. Jeral Skelton
Bulldogs team news:
Connor Tracey is set to return from a concussion to take his place at fullback with his inclusion causing a shift in the backline. Jacob Kiraz moves back to the wing and Jeral Skelton drops out.
Viliame Kikau was cited for a high tackle during their win over the Sharks but has escaped with a fine.
Kurt Mann will return from suspension after originally being named on the bench. However, in a late change he has replaced Bailey Hayward at lock.
Jacob Preston was listed as 18th man last week but hasn't been included in the extended squad, Blake Taaffe has dropped out of the side.
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Te Maire Martin
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Marata Niukore
12. Kurt Capewell
15. Dylan Walker
14. Freddy Lussick
16. Jazz Tevaga
17. Jackson Ford
23. Leka Halasima
20. Taine Tuaupiki
Warriors team news:
Andrew Webster originally named an unchanged lineup after the Warriors bounced back from their horror loss against Titans with a win at home last week.
However, Tohu Harris has since been ruled out through injury with Dylan Walker promoted to the starting side and debutant Leka Halasima added to the bench.
Wests Tigers 28-40 Melbourne Storm
Saturday, July 6 at Leichhardt Oval (5.30pm)
Wests confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Adam Doueihi
22. Justin Olam
5. Charlie Staines
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
17. David Klemmer
11. John Bateman
12. Samuela Fainu
10. Fonua Pole
13. Justin Matamua
14. Heath Mason
15. Sione Fainu
16. Alex Seyfarth
20. Solomon Alaimalo
Tigers team news:
Benji Marhsall has some tough decisions to make following the Tigers' heavy loss to the Roosters with a backline shuffle enacted.
Charlie Staines comes in on the wing with Solomona Faataape originally sliding to the centres and Brent Naden dropping out.
However, Justin Olam has been named as a late addition with Luke Laulilii dropping out of the backline.
John Bateman has been promoted off the bench after returning to the side in Round 17 with Reuben Porter dropping to the reserves and Heath Mason added to the pine.
Alex Twal and Bud Sullivan were scheduled to return from injury but there is no sign of them in the extended squad.
Meanwhile, in a late change, David Klemmer has been promoted off the bench with Fonua Pole switching to lock and Justin Matamua going to the bench.
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuzyen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Grant Anderson
4. Jack Howarth
5. Kane Bradley
6. Tyran Wishart
7. Jahrome Hughes
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
8. Tui Kamikamica
14. Sualauvi Faalogo
15. Christian Welch
19. Alec MacDonald
17. Joe Chan
Storm team news:
Melbourne have recieved a major boost with Ryan Papenhuyzen named to return from injury. His inclusion sees Sualauvi Faalogo go back to the bench.
Xavier Coates has joined Nick Meaney on the sidelines with a new-look backline named by Craig Bellamy.
Jack Howarth starts in the centres despite fears he would also be sidelined through injury, while Kane Bradley has been named on the wing.
Harry Grant remains out after picking up a facial injury in Origin II, so Bronson Garlick continues at dummy-half.
Trent Loiero was named at lock last week but was replaced ahead of kick-off by Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
This time, NAS replaces Tui Kamikamica at prop while Alec MacDonald has been added to the pine ahead of Joe Chan.
North Queensland Cowboys 20-21 Manly Sea Eagles
Saturday, July 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium (7.35pm)
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Villiami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
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. Sam McIntyre
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
17. Griffin Neame
18. Jake Granville
Cowboys team news:
Despite battling to an impressive win over the Panthers last week, Todd Payten has made a host of changes as he welcomes his Origin stars back.
Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi return to the backline with Jaxon Purdue and Braidon Burns dropping out.
Tom Dearden takes the No.6 jersey off Jake Clifford, while Reece Robson will return at hooker.
Harrison Edwards and Sam McIntyre go back to the bench with Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter returning.
Jake Granville and Tom Chester drop out of the 17 with the former listed as the 18th man.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tolu Koula
2. Jason Saab
3. Tom Trbojevic
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Tommy Talau
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Toafofoa Sipley
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Josh Aloiai
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Lehi Hopoate
15. Karl Lawton
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Nathan Brown
18. Clayton Faulalo
Sea Eagles team news:
Manly are set to receive a massive boost with Tom Trbojevic returning from a hamstring injury. The talisman is just one of many players to be included after being sidelined.
Trbojevic has been named in the centres alongside the returning Reuben Garrick with Tolu Koula to move to fullback and Lehi Hopoate dropping back to the bench and Jaxson Paulo out of the side.
Daly Cherry-Evans returns from Origin duty to partner Luke Brooks in the halves which pushes Karl Lawton to the pine.
Josh Aloiai is back from suspension and starts up front with Tof Sipley, while Jake Simpkin continues at hooker with Lachlan Croker still sidelined.
Jake Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau’atu return from Origin duty to take their places in the side with Corey Waddell, Ben Condon, Caleb Navale, Aitasi James and Aaron Schoupp missing out.
Sydney Roosters 42-12 St George Illawarra Dragons
Sunday, July 7 at Allianz Stadium (2.00pm)
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Michael Jennings
4. Sitili Tupouniua
5. Dom Young
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Victor Radley
13. Connor Watson
18. Ethan King
15. Terrell May
16. Nat Butcher
17. Spencer Leniu
20. Sandon Smith
Roosters team news:
The Roosters have been hit by another injury with Joey Manu fracturing his hand during last week's win over the Tigers. Michael Jennings will replace him in the centres after returning to fitness via the NSW Cup.
Lindsay Collins has been reinstated into the starting side after featuring off the bench with Terrell May making way.
Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves becomes the most capped Rooster of all time in his 307th game for the Tricolours, whilst Ethan King makes his debut from the bench.
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Zac Lomax
3. Moses Suli
4. Max Feagai
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Jack de Belin
12. Jaydn Su'A
17. Luciano Leilua
13. Tom Eisenhuth
14. Blake Lawrie
15. Ben Murdoch-Masila
16. Toby Couchman
19. Fa'amanu Brown
18.Michael Molo
Dragons team news:
Zac Lomax will return to the side after missing last week's win over the Dolphins following his Origin II exploits. He replaces the injured Mathew Feagai in Shane Flanagan's side.
Raymond Faitala-Mariner has dropped out with a back injury with Luciano Leilua replacing him in the backrow and Fa'amanu Brown being a late addition to the bench in place of Michael Molo.
