Tevita Pangai jnr and Viliame Kikau headline more than $7 million in Origin and Test talent returning to the NRL this weekend.
The Bulldogs have battled a bulging casualty ward so far this season, particularly up front where they’ve had up to five top-30 front-rowers unavailable for several weeks.
Kikau is a big-name inclusion on the left edge after returning from concussion, and Pangai will make a long-awaited comeback from a recurring calf injury against Parramatta on Sunday.
Pangai is one of the Bulldogs’ biggest earners but has been an enigmatic figure since arriving at Belmore, working with rehabilitation specialists in Cronulla in a bid to beat the injury once and for all after it flared twice during the off-season.
Braidon Burns replaces Josh Addo-Carr (ankle surgery) on the wing as Raymond Faitala-Mariner (head knock) returns and Eels skipper Junior Paulo (suspension) does the same for the Eels.
Roosters skipper James Tedesco is a significant inclusion against the Sharks on Friday night, as is Matt Lodge, who has trained in headgear since suffering a facial fracture that left him with a golfball-sized divot in his cheek.
Matt Lodge (left) and Dylan Napa at Roosters training earlier this year.Credit: Brook Mitchell
Angus Crichton has also been named for the Roosters’ NSW Cup side, his first game since treatment for a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Firebrands Nathan Brown and Dylan Napa – recruited from Parramatta and Catalans, respectively – have also been named for their first games of the season, with Brown back from a lengthy hamstring injury against Newtown at Henson Park.
Wade Graham returns from suspension alongside Oregon Kaufusi (concussion) to help shore up a Cronulla middle rotation missing Dale Finucane (suspension) and Toby Rudolf (toe surgery).
Cameron Munster returns to fullback this week for the Storm.Credit: Getty Images
Queensland Origin forward Jai Arrow is also back for the Rabbitohs to face former coach Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins.
Arrow’s return from a recurring hamstring issue provides welcome relief given South Sydney are expecting Tevita Tatola (knee) to be out for the next month, while Alex Johnston (concussion) is back on the wing.
Meanwhile, Storm star Cameron Munster shifts to fullback against Manly after Nick Meaney was ruled out due to delayed concussion symptoms.
Rising rookie Jonah Pezet partners Jahrome Hughes in the halves, while Cooper Johns returns to the Sea Eagles’ scrum base.
Utility Kaeo Weekes has dropped back to the No.14 jumper while Josh Schuster has been named in Anthony Seibold’s extended reserves, having missed the past two weeks due to a calf injury.
Aaron Woods also makes his Manly debut – his fifth NRL club after shifting from the Dragons – with Sean Keppie dropped. Tom Trbojevic is a certain starter despite struggling with back spasms against Penrith last weekend.
The Raiders welcome back in-demand five-eighth Jack Wighton against St George Illawarra on Sunday after his two-game suspension. Kiwi Test prop Joseph Tapine is back as well after missing last week’s win over Brisbane due to the birth of his first child.
Zane Musgrove starts for the Dragons in place of Francis Molo (three-game ban) while Tautau Moga comes in for the injured Mikaele Ravalawa, who is out for three games with a hamstring strain.
Penrith have named Liam Martin in an extended reserves list against Newcastle, keeping late-bloomer Zac Hosking on the right edge as Martin pushes to return from a calf issue.
The Knights have shifted Phoenix Crossland to hooker following captain Jayden Brailey’s latest ACL rupture. Tyson Gamble returns from a concussion lay-off in the halves.
The struggling Cowboys have Jeremiah Nanai back from suspension against the Warriors, who have also named captain Tohu Harris after his recent struggles with a knee injury.
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