Magic Round has arrived in the NRL with a full slate of games set to entertain fans at Suncorp Stadium across the three-day event.
Intriguing storylines abound everywhere in Brisbane as the season continues to roll on at a lightning-quick pace.
Cronulla will try to bounce back from their heartbreaking loss to the Wests Tigers last week when they take on Parramatta, who will be fresh off the bye, in the opening fixture of the round.
The Dolphins are set to welcome back a host of stars for their clash against the Sydney Roosters, while it's not such good news for the likes of Canterbury and South Sydney who have been hit hard by injury and suspension.
Elsewhere, Brisbane will be sweating on the fitness of Adam Reynolds after the Broncos halfback was injured during his side's upset win over the Dogs.
MORE: NRL injury list - Your club’s medical news, casualty ward, player return dates
Cronulla Sharks vs. Parramatta Eels
(Friday, May 2 at Suncorp Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
Cronulla predicted team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Samuel Stonestreet
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Billy Burns
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Tuku Hau Tapuha
17. Tom Hazelton
Sharks team news:
It's a short turnaround for Craig Fitzgibbon's side after they went down to the Tigers in golden point last Sunday.
The club could receive a timely boost for the clash at Magic Round with Kayal Iro scheduled to return.
Mawene Hiroti has covered for Iro in the past month but the centre suffered a knee injury in Round 8 and is set to miss around one month. If Iro remains on the sidelines for this one with a hamstring injury, either Sifa Talakai or Daniel Atkinson will start in the centres.
Billy Burns was drafted into the side late last week after Teig Wilton was ruled out with a shoulder injury. He is expected to continue in the backrow.
Briton Nikora will line up on the opposite edge after avoiding a ban for a high tackle during his side's loss to the Tigers.
Toby Rudolf is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks due to a foot injury, so Tuku Hau Tapuha will enjoy an extended run in the side.
Parramatta predicted team:
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Bailey Simonsson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Mitch Moses
8. Jack Williams
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Matt Doorey
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. J'maine Hopgood
14. Dylan Walker
15. Luca Moretti
16. Ryan Matterson
17. Sam Tuivaiti
Eels team news:
Jason Ryles' outfit claimed an impressive win over the Tigers on Easter Monday before they headed into the bye and the coach is likely to make minimal changes.
Mitch Moses made a brilliant return from injury to steer the Eels to the win and will partner Dylan Brown in the halves again.
Kelma Tuilagi copped a suspension for a shoulder charge during his side's win over the Tigers so will need to be replaced. Matt Doorey could be handed a start in his absence, while Ryan Matterson could be brought onto the bench.
There is a doubt around Jack Williams' inclusion though after the forward picked up a knee issue on his return to action in Round 7. If he is ruled out, Sam Tuivaiti could potentially be handed a start.
Sydney Roosters vs. Dolphins
(Friday, May 2 at Suncorp Stadium, 8:05pm AEST)
Sydney predicted 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
Roosters team news:
Trent Robinson is likely to stick solid with the same 17 who battered the Dragons on Anzac Day.
This means Dom Young will remain out of the side after Mark Nawaqanitawase impressed on the wing.
Sandon Smith enjoyed the best game of his career so far on the big stage against the Red V and will be partnered in the halves by Hugo Savala again.
Chad Townsend will continue to be overlooked at halfback but Sam Walker is reportedly nearing a return from an ACL tear he suffered late last year. The playmaker won't be on hand for Magic Round though.
Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher remain sidelined with knee issues, so Spencer Leniu will start up front with Egan Butcher to be used off the bench again after the forward made his return from a long-term injury last week.
Dolphins predicted team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Felise Kaufusi
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Francis Molo
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Max Plath
14. Ray Stone
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Connelly Lemuelu
17. Josh Kerr
Phins team news:
Kristian Woolf's side blew a big lead to get ran down by Canberra last week which brought an end to their three-match winning streak.
To make matters worse, injuries continue to hit the pack with Daniel Saifiti the latest forward to be sidelined. The prop suffered a shoulder complaint against the Raiders.
It's not all bad news though with three key players potentially returning to the side.
Max Plath could return from a foot injury after being a late withdrawal last week to regain the No.13 jersey with Mark Nicholls, who started at lock last week, going back to the bench.
Felise Kaufusi is also scheduled to return from a knee injury and might replaced Saifiti up front, while Kenny Bromwich will drop out of the 17.
Jeremy Marshall-King could be back on deck after missing the past two weeks due to an infection in his leg. The Kiwi international's return would likely push Sean O'Sullivan out of the side.
Kurt Donoghoe was a late withdrawal in Round 8 due to an ankle injury with no return date provided by the club yet.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Newcastle Knights
(Saturday, May 3 at Suncorp Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
South Sydney predicted team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Isaiah Tass
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Lewis Dodd
8. Sean Keppie
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Tevita Tatola
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Lachlan Hubner
14. Siliva Havili
15. Euan Aitken
16. Davvy Moale
17. Tallis Duncan
Rabbitohs team news:
Wayne Bennett's side slipped to their third loss in a row last week with injuries biting the Bunnies after a previously impressive start to the campaign.
Latrell Mitchell is set to be sidelined for one match after being cited for a high tackle during his side's loss to the Storm. Jye Gray, who featured at five-eighth at AAMI Park, will revert to fullback.
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape started on the wing last week and could keep his spot with Alex Johnston, Mikaele Ravalawa and Tyrone Munro still sidelined.
Alternatively, Campbell Graham could be moved to the wing and Euan Aitken brought back into the centres.
Cody Walker dropped out with a calf injury late last week and will be out for around one month with Jayden Sullivan possibly taking his No.6 jersey this week and Lewis Dodd handed a start at halfback.
Jamie Humphreys isn't expected to return from a hamstring injury until the following week in Round 10.
Lachlan Hubner is expected to return from concussion at Magic Round with the forward taking over at lock, Jai Arrow going back to an edge and Aitken moving out of the backrow.
Newcastle predicted team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Jack Cogger
8. Tyson Frizell
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Mat Croker
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Tyrone Thompson
16. Thomas Cant
17. Brodie Jones
Knights team news:
Newcastle are in dire straits after slipping to their fifth loss on the bounce last week when they went down to the Warriors across the ditch.
Jack Cogger was a late addition at halfback in Round 8 after Tyson Gamble was ruled out with a broken nose. It remains to be seen whether Adam O'Brien will stick with the former for this one.
Phoenix Crossland was named to start at dummy-half but was replaced by Jayden Brailey in the starting side last week. The Kiwi will retain the No.9 jersey.
Jacob Saifiti, Jack Hetherington and Adam Elliott have missed the past few weeks due to injuries with no definitive return dates provided for the experienced trio.
New Zealand Warriors vs. North Queensland Cowboys
(Saturday, May 3 at Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
New Zealand predicted team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Taine Tuaupiki
3. Rocco Berry
4. Ali Leiataua
5. Adam Pompey
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. Marata Niukore
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Leka Halasima
13. Erin Clark
14. Jackson Ford
15. Bunty Afoa
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Jacob Laban
Warriors team news:
Andrew Webster's outfit has won four out of their past five games to keep the good times rolling in New Zealand.
The coach made several late changes to his named team last week against the Knights and he could stick to these alterations.
Jackson Ford was listed to start up front but dropped to the bench with Marata Niukore taking his place and Leka Halasima promoted off the pine.
Star backline duo Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are nearing their returns from injury but Magic Round will come too early for them.
Meanwhile, James Fisher-Harris is expected to miss at least one more match after suffering a pec injury in Round 6.
North Queensland predicted team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Robert Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Griffin Neame
16. Coen Hess
17. Harrison Edwards
Cowboys team news:
Todd Payten could stick with the same 17 who got the job done last week with a thumping 50-18 comeback win over the Titans.
Braidon Burns is scheduled to return from a hamstring injury, yet he is unlikely to knock Robert Derby out of the side after the winger grabbed a hat-trick in Round 8.
Jeremiah Nanai was impressive from the start last week and will keep his spot on an edge, while Kai O'Donnell could struggle to get back into the 17 after dropping out late for Harrison Edwards.
Wests Tigers vs. St George Illawarra Dragons
(Saturday, May 3 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:45pm AEST)
Wests Tigers predicted 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
Tigers team news:
The Tigers got back to winning ways in Round 8 with a dramatic victory over the Sharks in golden point.
Benji Marshall recalled Lachlan Galvin after his contract drama the previous week and the young five-eighth laid on two tries to contribute to the win.
However, there is now concern around Api Koroisau after the hooker limped from the field with a knee issue last week. If the co-captain is ruled out, Tallyn Da Silva will take the No.9 jersey.
Meanwhile, Jeral Skelton is expected to remain sidelined with a hamstring injury.
St George Illawarra predicted 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
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Emre Guler
16. Hamish Stewart
17. Dylan Egan
Dragons team news:
The Red V were pumped 46-18 by the Roosters on Anzac Day with Shane Flanagan faced with the prospect of either mixing up his side or handing them a chance to atone for their poor performance.
Sione Finau played his first game of the season on the wing in the absence of injured duo Christian Tuipulotu and Mat Feagai. The young gun could be replaced by Corey Allan if the coach opts for more experience in his backline.
Hamish Stewart is set to return this week after missing Round 8 due to a concussion. He could replace either Blake Lawrie or Emre Guler on the bench.
Luciano Leilua has been named to start in the backrow for the past three weeks only to be moved to the bench for Dylan Egan.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
(Sunday, May 4 at Suncorp Stadium, 1:50pm AEST)
Gold Coast predicted 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. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui
16. Brock Gray
17. Arama Hau
Titans team news:
It's now four defeats in a row for the Titans with Des Hasler's outfit in desperate need of a victory. However, they face an uphill struggle against a Dogs side stinging from their first loss of the season last week.
Tom Weaver is set to start at halfback for the second week straight with Jayden Campbell still out and Kieran Foran expected to be out for at least one more week with a biceps injury.
Chris Randall has started in the backrow for the past two matches but could come under pressure to keep his starting spot with David Fifita returning from a hamstring strain last week off the bench.
There will be at least one change on the bench with Jaimin Jolliffe facing a two-game ban for a high shot against the Cowboys. The likes of Klese Haas, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui and Jacob Alick-Wiencke are likely to be in contention for the vacant spot.
Canterbury predicted team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Bailey Hayward
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sam Hughes
16. Harry Hayes
17. Kurtis Morrin
Bulldogs team news:
The Dogs tasted defeat for the first time this year in Round 8 as they were soundly beaten by the Broncos. To make matters worse, three key players were hit with suspensions out of the clash.
Matt Burton copped a one-match ban for a high shot with Bailey Hayward to be handed the No.6 jersey once again in his absence.
Josh Curran was issued with a three-game ban for a shoulder charge on Payne Haas and will be replaced up frontby Daniel Suluka-Fifita.
Meanwhile, Sitili Tupouniua is looking at five weeks on the sidelines after being cited for two separate incidents. Hisplace on the bench is likely to be taken by Kurtis Morrin.
Sam Hughes is scheduled to return from a long-term injury at Magic Round and would be a welcome addition on the pine amid the club's stocks in the forwards taking a hit.
Penrith Panthers vs. Brisbane Broncos
(Sunday, May 4 at Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Penrith predicted team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Paul Alamoti
3. Izack Tago
4. Tom Jenkins
5. Brian To'o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Luke Sommerton
10. Liam Henry
11. Luke Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Brad Schneider
15. Isaiah Papali'i
16. Lindsay Smith
17. Mavrik Geyer
Panthers team news:
Penrith's return to winning ways turned out to be short-lived with the Panthers falling to another loss last week.
The reigning premiers are set to receive a major boost in the backline with Brian To'o returning from a hamstring injury. His inclusion could see Casey McLean, who suffered two head knocks in Round 8, drop out.
Luke Sommerton will start at hooker again with Mitch Kenny still sidelined with a suspension for one more week.
Scott Sorensen has copped a two-game ban for a shoulder charge during his side's loss to the Sea Eagles with Isaiah Papali'i or Luke Garner, who missed the defeat due to a concussion, a chance to replace him.
Although Garner did start in the centres in Round 7 and could return to the backline with Izack Tago reverting to the bench.
Liam Henry started ahead of Lindsay Smith in Round 8 and could get the nod up front again.
Brisbane predicted 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
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Cory Paix
15. Corey Jensen
16. Brendan Piakura
17. Tyson Smoothy
Broncos team news:
All eyes will be on Adam Reynolds this week after the halfback suffered a shoulder injury during his side's upset victory over the Bulldogs.
If the halfback is ruled out of Magic Round, Ben Hunt is likely to take the No.7 jersey with Billy Walters switching to five-eighth. Ezra Mam will be eligible for selection in Round 10.
Jordan Riki was a late withdrawal last week due to an infection but should be back on deck for this one. The backrower's return will see Brendan Piakura drop to the bench and Jaiyden Hunt likely go to the reserves.
Reece Walsh is expected to be out for another month with a knee injury, so Selwyn Cobbo will continue at fullback.
Melbourne Storm vs. Canberra Raiders
(Sunday, May 4 at Suncorp Stadium, 6:25pm AEST)
Melbourne predicted team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Grant Anderson
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
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
Storm team news:
Craig Bellamy's side was scrappy on Anzac Day but still managed to grab the win over the Bunnies to bounce back from their horror loss to the Dolphins in Round 7.
Sua Fa'alogo was drafted onto the wing late ahead of Kane Bradley last week but failed a HIA after being hit high by Latrell Mitchell. Either Bradley or Will Warbrick, who has missed the past month due to concussion, will replace him.
Bronson Garlick will continue at dummy-half with Harry Grant still sidelined with a hamstring issue, while support will come from Tyran Wishart off the bench.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona hasn't featured since his side's Round 3 win over Penrith in the grand final rematch due to a concussion. The enforcer is likely to be included in the extended squad and could be a late addition for this one.
Meanwhile, the likes of Jack Howarth, Moses Leo and Tui Kamikamica remain in the casualty ward for Magic Round.
Canberra predicted 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
Raiders team news:
Ricky Stuart is set to name an unchanged outfit after the Raiders recovered from a slow start to romp to a resounding win over the Dolphins last week.