State of Origin is taking the limelight this week, but we will still have seven matches of NRL to enjoy after Game II.
South Sydney have received mixed news on the injury front with Latrell Mitchell once again missing out after his withdrawal from the Blues camp, although Cody Walker is set to return.
Wantaway skipper Ben Hunt has been named for the Dragons to play just 48 hours after representing Queensland, while Tom Trbojevic has only been listed in the reserves for Manly.
Dolphins halfback Sean O'Sullivan is a chance to return from injury, as is the likes of Shaun Lane and Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam, who is due back from HIA protocols.
It's hard to know which Origin stars will back up, but it appears to be fairly common practice now.
Here's all the mail ahead of NRL Round 17.
EXCLUSIVE: Josh Schuster talks DCE, the Sea Eagles and NRL expectations
NRL ROUND 17 CONFIRMED TEAMS
ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS VS. NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Dragons confirmed team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mathew Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Blake Lawrie
11. Jack Bird
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Talatau Amone
15. Michael Molo
16. Ben Murdoch-Masila
17. Zane Musgrove
18. Jaiyden Hunt
19. Moses Mbye
20. Max Feagai
21. Toby Couchman
22. Billy Burns
Dragons team news:
Wantaway skipper Ben Hunt has been named to back up from Origin in the halves, where he will be joined by Jayden Sullivan.
There are two big inclusions for the Dragons with Jack Bird back after he missed two matches due to knee soreness, while Jack de Belin (neck) was stretchered off during the Round 14 clash with Penrith but will start at lock against the Warriors.
Warriors confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Adam Pompey
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Bunty Afoa
11. Jackson Ford
12. Marata Niukore
13. Tohu Harris
14. Dylan Walker
15. Josh Curran
16. Bayley Sironen
17. Tom Ale
18. Freddy Lussick
20. Brayden Wiliame
21. Ronald Volkman
22. Kalani Going
23. Zyon Maiu’u
Warriors team news:
Dylan Walker returns via the bench with Mitch Barnett dropping out of the side as he has to serve a one-game suspension.
Rocco Berry returns from concussion at centre, replacing rookie Ali Leiataua.
Te Maire Martin remains on the sidelines, with Luke Metcalf once again starting at five-eighth.
DOLPHINS VS. PARRAMATTA EELS
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Euan Aitken
4. Valynce Te Whare
5. Brayden Mcgrady
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Herman Ese’ese
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenny Bromwich
13. Ray Stone
14. Josh Kerr
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Connelly Lemuelu
17. Max Plath
18. Harrison Graham
19. Sean O’Sullivan
20. Poasa Faamausili
21. Robert Jennings
22. Kurt Donoghoe
Dolphins team news:
Wayne Bennett has made a number of changes following his side’s heavy defeat to the Sea Eagles before last week’s bye.
Felise Kaufusi is back from his second suspension of the season and takes over from Connelly Lemuelu in the backrow, while Valynce Te Whare gets a start in the centres with Brenko Lee out.
Josh Kerr will make his club debut after his mid-season switch from the Dragons, while there is an NRL debut for Brayden McGrady who has been named on the wing.
Jeremy Marshall-King has been included despite struggling with a shoulder injury in recent weeks and there is another potential boost with halfback Sean O'Sullivan listed in the reserves.
Eels confirmed team:
1. Clinton Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Viliami Penisini
4. Bailey Simonsson
5. Sean Russell
6. Daejarn Asi
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Brendan Hands
10. Junior Paulo
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. Andrew Davey
13. J’maine Hopgood
14. Ofahiki Ogden
15. Joe Ofahengaue
16. Ryan Matterson
17. Makahesi Makatoa
18. Haze Dunster
19. Matt Doorey
20. Luca Moretti
21. Waqa Blake
22. Shaun Lane
Eels team news:
Mitch Moses and Junior Paulo have been named to back up from NSW duty.
Previous long-term injury absentees Shaun Lane and Waqa Blake have once again been listed in the reserves and could be late additions.
PENRITH PANTHERS VS. NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Panthers confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Jack Cogger
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Soni Luke
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Spencer Leniu
17. Jaeman Salmon
18. Zac Hosking
19. Matt Eisenhuth
20. Luke Garner
21. Tyrone Peachey
22. Thomas Jenkins
23. Liam Henry
24. Jack Cole
Panthers team news:
All of Penrith's Origin stars backed up last time, and they will likely do the same against the Knights injury permitting.
Liam Martin has been named to start in the backrow, pushing Zac Hosking to 18th man. He is joined in the reserves by the likes of Matthew Eisenhuth and Luke Garner.
Moses Leota (personal) will return after missing the last round.
Knights confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Dominic Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Jackson Hastings
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Adam Elliott
14. Kurt Mann
15. Jacob Saifiti
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Mathew Croker
18. Brodie Jones
19. Enari Tuala
20. Lachlan Miller
21. Jack Johns
22. Adam Clune
Knights team news:
Two big inclusions for Adam O’Brien with Daniel Saifiti returning to the front row after missing last week with a sternum injury and Greg Marzhew back on the wing after being dropped for disciplinary issues.
Tyson Frizell has been named to back up as the club’s only Origin representative with fellow backrower Lachlan Fitzgibbon unavailable due to a head knock.
MELBOURNE STORM VS. MANLY SEA EAGLES
Storm confirmed team:
1. Nick Meaney
2. William Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Justin Olam
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Tom Eisenhuth
9. Harry Grant
10. Christian Welch
11. Trent Loiero
12. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
13. Josh King
14. Bronson Garlick
15. Tariq Sims
16. Aaron Pene
17. Tyran Wishart
18. Kane Bradley
19. Chris Lewis
20. George Jennings
21. Alec MacDonald
22. Jonah Pezet
23. Sualauvi Faalogo
Storm team news:
Craig Bellamy has included Queensland trio Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Xavier Coates.
Justin Olam is set to return after missing the last few weeks due to concussion with Marion Seve dropping out.
Christian Welch returns from a one-match ban to partner Tom Eisenhuth up front following the absence of Tui Kamikamica.
Sea Eagles confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Josh Schuster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Toafofoa Sipley
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ethan Bullemor
13. Sean Keppie
14. Karl Lawton
15. Josh Aloiai
16. Aaron Woods
17. Ben Condon
18. Samuela Fainu
19. Jakob Arthur
20. Morgan Harper
21. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega
22. Tom Trbojevic
Sea Eagles team news:
Tom Trbojevic hasn’t been included in the 17 but does loom as a possible late addition from the reserves, depending how he pulls up after Origin II.
However, Daly Cherry-Evans has been named to start at halfback for Anthony Seibold’s side which got battered last time out against the Eels.
BRISBANE BRONCOS VS. GOLD COAST TITANS
Broncos confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Thomas Flegler
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Corey Jensen
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Martin Taupau
18. Jesse Arthars
19. Keenan Palasia
20. Deine Mariner
21. Xavier Willison
22. Jock Madden
23. Tristan Sailor
24. Cory Paix
Broncos team news:
Brisbane will be without Kurt Capewell for up to a month with the veteran the club’s only current injured player.
Selwyn Cobbo has been named on the wing, while all of the Broncos’ Origin representatives have been included.
Brendan Piakura starts in the backrow in place of Capewell, while Tyson Smoothy retains his spot on the bench ahead of Cory Paix.
Titans confirmed team:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Aaron Schoupp
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Tanah Boyd
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. David Fifita
12. Joe Stimson
13. Isaac Liu
14. Jayden Campbell
15. Erin Clark
16. Jaimin Jolliffe
17. Klese Haas
18. Chris Randall
19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui
20. Jojo Fifita
21. Kruise Leeming
22. Jo Vuna
23. Keano Kini
24. Ken Maumalo
Titans team news:
After missing a month with a toe injury, Kieran Foran is set to return at five-eighth which pushes Jayden Campbell out of the starting side.
David Fifita, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika have all been named to back up, while Queensland’s 18th man – AJ Brimson – will start at fullback once again.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS VS. NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Rabbitohs confirmed team:
1. Blake Taaffe
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Campbell Graham
5. Richard Kennar
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Hame Sele
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jed Cartwright
13. Cameron Murray
14. Michael Chee Kam
15. Siliva Havili
16. Davvy Moale
17. Thomas Burgess
18. Tyrone Munro
19. Peter Mamouzelos
20. Jacob Host
21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
22. Dean Hawkins
Rabbitohs team news:
Mixed news on the injury front for the Bunnies with Latrell Mitchell remaining on the sidelines, although Cody Walker returns from a quad strain.
There is also an influx of forwards with Tom Burgess and Davvy Moale set to return from injury issues off the bench.
Jacob Host drops to the reserves with Jed Cartwright named to start in the backrow, while Shaq Mitchell drops out altogether.
Cameron Murray and Damien Cook have been named to back up after NSW duty.
Cowboys confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Peta Hiku
5. Semi Valemei
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Jake Granville
10. Coen Hess
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Griffin Neame
16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
17. Jack Gosiewski
18. Thomas Duffy
19. Riley Price
20. Reece Robson
21. Jeremiah Nanai
22. Valentine Holmes
23. Reuben Cotter
24. Murray Taulagi
Cowboys team news:
Todd Payten has opted to name all five of his Origin players in the reserves, so it remains to be seen how many will be rested and who will back up.
Heilum Luki has suffered a facial fracture which will rule him out for an extended period. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been named to start in his place with Jack Gosiewski added to the bench.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS VS. CANBERRA RAIDERS
Roosters confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Joseph Manu
5. Junior Pauga
6. Luke Keary
7. Sandon Smith
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Jake Turpin
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Egan Butcher
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Angus Crichton
15. Nathan Brown
16. Nat Butcher
17. Naufahu Whyte
18. Terrell May
19. Drew Hutchison
20. Corey Allan
21. Jaxson Paulo
22. Zach Dockar-Clay
Roosters team news:
Remarkably, Luke Keary has been named to start after many at the club – including the man himself – feared he had suffered a broken jaw last week.
James Tedesco has been listed to start at fullback, so Joey Manu shifts to the centres and Corey Allan drops out.
Victor Radley is back from his three-game suspension and will start at lock, while Nat Butcher moves to the bench after starting at prop last week with Lindsay Collins named to back up.
Raiders confirmed team:
1. Sebastian Kris
2. Albert Hopoate
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Matthew Timoko
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali’i
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Nick Cotric
17. Pasami Saulo
18. Matt Frawley
19. Xavier Savage
20. Ata Mariota
21. Danny Levi
22. Peter Hola
Raiders team news:
Ricky Stuart has named an unchanged side who went down to the Warriors in their last appearance. Hudson Young is the club’s only Origin representative and has been named to back up.