It's the penultimate round of the regular season and there is still plenty to play for at both ends of the ladder.
Canberra will be aiming to clinch the minor premiership when they host the Wests Tigers in the nation's capital, while Manly and Brisbane will try to continue their momentum when they feature later on in the day.
MORE: All the latest injury news and updates for every NRL club
St George Illawarra have received some welcome boosts for their meeting with the Sea Eagles, while North Queensland will be riding high for their fixture against the Broncos after a late comeback against the Tigers last week.
Craig Fitzgibbon will have to plug several holes for Cronulla ahead of their test against the lowly Newcastle Knights, although they have welcomed a star back after a long layoff.
Meanwhile, Des Hasler will take charge of the Gold Coast for one of the final times as the Titans attempt to avoid the wooden spoon.
Canberra Raiders vs. Wests Tigers
(Saturday, August 30 at GIO Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matt Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Jed Stuart
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
16. Morgan Smithies
17. Ata Mariota
18. Noah Martin
20. Danny Levi
Raiders team news:
Canberra claimed a stunning victory over Penrith in golden point last week to all but assure themselves of the minor premiership.
However, the victory came at a price, with Xavier Savage sidelined for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Savelio Tamale has returned from a long-term knee injury just in time to take his place on the wing.
Matty Nicholson made his return from a foot injury last week via the NSW Cup, but has not been rushed back by Ricky Stuart.
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Starford To'a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jarome Luai
7. Latu Fainu
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Sione Fainu
13. Alex Twal
14. Heath Mason
15. Royce Hunt
16. Charlie Murray
17. Tony Sukkar
18. Heamasi Makasini
21. Tristan Hope
Tigers team news:
Benji Marshall's side were on top of the world with their finals hopes still alive during their match against North Queensland. However, the Tigers suffered a late collapse to lose and see their finals hopes dashed.
To make matters worse, Adam Doueihi suffered a facial fracture early during the defeat and will miss the remainder of the season.
Latu Fainu has been promoted off the bench and will partner Jarome Luai in the halves, while Heath Mason has been added to the 17 as the utility.
There is also a change in the backline, with Starford To'a restored to the side ahead of Brent Naden after being a late withdrawal last week due to a shoulder issue.
Alex Seyfarth still has one game left to serve of his suspension, so Sione Fainu gets the nod to start in the backrow once again.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Manly Sea Eagles
(Saturday, August 30 at Jubilee Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Christian Tuipulotu
3. Hayden Buchanan
4. Mathew Feagai
5. Tyrell Sloan
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
8. Emre Guler
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Jacob Halangahu
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Jack de Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Luciano Leilua
16. Hame Sele
17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
18. Ben Murdoch-Masila
19. Corey Allan
Dragons team news:
St George Illawarra are set to welcome several key players back from injury in their pack this week as Shane Flanagan will demand a response from his side after their shocking 40-0 loss to South Sydney.
Jack de Belin and Hame Sele missed the defeat due to concussions, while Jaydn Su'A was also confined to the casualty ward.
De Belin returns to start at lock, with Damien Cook reverting to hooker and Jacob Liddle dropping to the bench.
Su'A has been dropped straight into the backrow, although Jacob Halangahu keeps his spot in the starting side, with Luciano Leilua instead dropped to the pine.
Ben Murdoch-Masila and Raymond Faitala-Mariner have dropped out of the side along with Blake Lawrie.
Meanwhile, Tyrell Sloan has earned a recall on the wing as Corey Allan has been moved to the reserves.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Tommy Talau
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Matthew Lodge
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Corey Waddell
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jazz Tevaga
14. Aaron Schoupp
15. Caleb Navale
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Tof Sipley
18. Joey Walsh
19. Clayton Faulalo
Sea Eagles team news:
Manly were impressive during their big win over the Dolphins and Anthony Seibold has named an unchanged side as they attempt to knock off the Dragons and keep their season alive.
Tommy Talau was handed a start due to Reuben Garrick's shoulder injury and continues in the backline as Lehi Hopoate remains on the wing and Tom Trbojevic keeps hold of the No.1 jersey.
The pack will also remain untouched, with Taniela Paseka still sidelined by an Achilles injury.
The big prop is likely to be eased back into action via the NSW Cup, while Nathan Brown is still a few weeks away from returning.
Haumole Olakau'atu has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury and Jake Trbojevic has joined him after suffering several worrying concussions this year.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos
(Saturday, August 30 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Semi Valemei
3. Jaxon Purdue
14. Zac Laybutt
5. Braidon Burns
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
15. Karl Lawton
16. Harrison Edwards
17. Thomas Mikaele
18. Kai O'Donnell
19. Marly Bitungane
21. Jaxson Paulo
Cowboys team news:
The Cowboys produced an entertaining late comeback to topple the Tigers last week and Todd Payten has named a settled side for this one.
Murray Taulagi was scheduled to return from a hamstring injury this week, although the winger remains out.
Robert Derby and Griffin Neame have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Coen Hess is suspended.
UPDATE:
Viliami Vailea has dropped out after suffering a hamstring injury. Zac Laybutt has been brought off the bench and will start in the centres, while Kai O'Donnell has been added to the 17.
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Deine Mariner
6. Billy Walters
7. Ben Hunt
8. Corey Jensen
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jaiyden Hunt
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Ben Talty
17. Brendan Piakura
18. Jesse Arthars
19. Fletcher Baker
Broncos team news:
Brisbane piled on the points against a hapless Newcastle outfit last weekend and Michael Maguire has made minimal changes for their trip to Townsville.
Brendan Piakura has missed the past month after suffering a concussion in training. However, he has been named to return via the bench this week, with Jesse Arthars dropping to 18th man.
Adam Reynolds is nearing a return from a hamstring injury and could be a late addition this week after the halfback was included in the extended squad.
Meanwhile, Xavier Willison, Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam are all still confined to the casualty ward, with the latter two not likely to play again this season.
UPDATE:
Reynolds has suffered an injury setback in training ahead of Brisbane's clash and has been sidelined again.
Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights
(Sunday, August 31 at Sharks Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Mawene Hiroti
4. KL Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Billy Burns
12. Teig Wilton
13. Jesse Colquhoun
14. Hohepa Puru
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Thomas Hazelton
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
18. Daniel Atkinson
19. Tuku Hau Tapuha
20. Jayden Berrell
21. Sam Stonestreet
22. Niwhai Puru
Sharks team news:
Cronulla will return refreshed off the bye and ready to pile more misery onto Newcastle as they remain in the fight for a top four finish.
The Sharks have been handed a major boost in the backline, with KL Iro returning from a long-term pec injury. He takes his place in the centres, with Sifa Talakai reverting to the bench.
However, it's not all good news on the injury front for Craig Fitzgibbon after the coach watched Cameron McInnes suffer an ACL injury during the Sharks' most recent match. He has been replaced by Jesse Colquhoun at lock.
Briton Nikora still has time left to serve of his suspension, so Billy Burns gets the nod in the backrow once again.
Braden Hamlin-Uele was a late withdrawal against the Gold Coast in Round 24, but returns to replace Tuku Hau Tapuha on the bench.
Oregon Kaufusi has missed the last few matches due to a calf injury and remains out of contention. Jesse Ramien will also not return to the fold until the finals after suffering a thumb injury.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Dane Gagai
2. Dom Young
3. James Schiller
4. Bradman Best
5. Fletcher Hunt
6. Jake Arthur
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Jermaine McEwen
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell
14. Jayden Brailey
15. Mat Croker
16. Thomas Cant
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
18. Greg Marzhew
19. Jack Hetherington
20. Matthew Arthur
21. Connor Votano
22. Lachlan Crouch
Knights team news:
Newcastle are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and are battling to avoid the wooden spoon along with the Gold Coast.
Connor Votano was dropped from the side late in the piece after initially being named to start at fullback against Brisbane.
Dane Gagai was switched to the back, while Fletcher Hunt was brought into the backline, and Greg Marzhew was a late withdrawal as James Schiller replaced him.
This is the configuration that Adam O'Brien has named from the start this week, with Marzhew only listed as 18th man.
Jack Cogger struggled with a calf injury during the heavy loss to the Broncos but has been named to start.
Dolphins vs. Gold Coast Titans
(Sunday, August 31 at Suncorp Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Trai Fuller
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Tevita Naufahu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Francis Molo
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Connelly Lemuelu
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Kurt Donoghoe
14. Aublix Tawha
15. Ray Stone
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Josh Kerr
18. Kenny Bromwich
19. LJ Nonu
20. James Walsh
21. Peter Hola
22. John Fineanganofo
Phins team news:
Kristian Woolf was forced to spring some late changes last week ahead of their loss to Manly as Kodi Nikorima withdrew due to illness.
Nikorima's return sees Jake Averillo revert to the centres and Max Feagai drop out of the side altogether.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow remains in the centres, with Trai Fuller handed the No.1 jersey from the start this week.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has dropped out of the team and his place has been taken by Connelly Lemuelu.
Ray Stone was a late addition to the bench last week against the Sea Eagles and keeps his spot on the pine, where he is joined by the recalled Aublix Tawha.
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. AJ Brimson
2. Jaylan De Groot
3. Brian Kelly
4. Jojo Fifita
5. Phillip Sami
6. Kieran Foran
7. Jayden Campbell
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Chris Randall
12. Beau Fermor
13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
14. Keano Kini
15. Klese Haas
16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui
17. Josh Patston
18. Tukimihia Simpkins
19. Sean Mullany
20. Cooper Bai
21. Carter Gordon
22. Tony Francis
Titans team news:
Des Hasler's short reign on the Gold Coast will come to an end next week, with the Titans announcing his departure ahead of Round 26.
The coach will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon and has named an unchanged side despite last week's loss.
AJ Brimson will start at fullback as Keano Kini continues to be eased back into action following a long injury layoff.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury, while David Fifita and Jaimin Jolliffe join him in the casualty ward.
NRL SCORES THIS WEEKEND:
Canterbury Bulldogs 28-4 Penrith Panthers
(Thursday, August 28 at Accor Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Bailey Hayward
10. Sam Hughes
11. Josh Curran
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
17. Reed Mahoney
19. Enari Tuala
Bulldogs team news:
Viliame Kikau is a key absence for Canterbury after he has been hospitalised with a skin infection. The backrower has been replaced by Josh Curran, who was dropped to 18th man last week.
Marcelo Montoya and Sitili Tupouniua returned from injury last week during their side's loss to Melbourne.
Montoya keeps his place on the wing ahead of Enari Tuala, while Tupouniua will feature off the bench alongside new addition Daniel Suluka-Fifita, who has replaced the injured Harry Hayes.
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Daine Laurie
2. Jesse McLean
3. Sione Fonua
4. David Fale
5. Paul Alamoti
6. Jack Cole
7. Brad Schneider
8. Luron Patea
9. Luke Sommerton
10. Austin Dias
11. Zac Lipowicz
12. Mavrik Geyer
13. Matthew Eisenhuth
14. Soni Luke
15. Preston Riki
16. Riley Price
17. Billy Phillips
22. Jaxen Edgar
Panthers team news:
Penrith suffered their second consecutive loss in golden point last week as they went down to Canberra in dramatic circumstances in Mudgee.
The loss ended their hopes at a top four finish, so Ivan Cleary has elected to rest his entire first team this week as they prepare to attack the finals from the bottom part of the top eight.
Dylan Edwards has been replaced at the back by Daine Laurie, while Jesse McLean and Paul Alamoti have been listed on the wings.
Sione Fonua and David Fale are the new centre pairing, with Izack Tago and Casey McLean given the week off.
Jack Cole and Brad Schneider will form a new partnership in the halves, as Blaize Talagi and Nathan Cleary have been rested.
Luron Patea has been handed a start up front after the young forward has recovered from a collarbone injury.
Austin Dias will also feature in a pack which will see a backrow consisting of Zac Lipowicz, Mavrik Geyer
and Matthew Eisenhuth.
Soni Luke will provide support to No.9 Luke Sommerton off the pine.
Meanwhile, Preston Riki, Riley Price and Billy Phillips will form an inexperienced bench.
New Zealand Warriors 22-26 Parramatta Eels
(Friday, August 29 at Go Media Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Rocco Berry
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
16. Tanner Stowers-Smith
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
10. Demitric Vaimauga
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
17. Leka Halasima
20. Sam Healey
Warriors team news:
New Zealand got the job done against the Gold Coast to strengthen their grip on a top four place and Andrew Webster has named an unchanged side for this one.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad reverted to fullback against the Titans, with Taine Tuaupiki dropping out of the team.
Rocco Berry made a successful return from injury and takes his place in the centres once again despite another injury scare.
Demitric Vaimauga was named to start up front due to the absence of Jackson Ford, who is suspended until the finals. However, he dropped to the pine as Tanner Stowers-Smith was preferred last week.
Leka Halasima lost his place in the starting side as a result of the reshuffle in the pack and the boom backrower will remain on the bench in Round 26.
Jacob Laban remains out due to a leg injury, with the young forward joined in the casualty ward by Ali Leiataua.
Meanwhile, Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf have been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering ACL injuries.
UPDATE:
In a late switch, Stowers-Smith has been brought into the starting side and Vaimauga has dropped back to the bench once again.
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Zac Lomax
3. Will Penisini
18. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Joash Papali’i
7. Mitch Moses
8. J’maine Hopgood
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Jack Williams
13. Dylan Walker
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Matt Doorey
16. Charlie Guymer
17. Jordan Samrani
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Eels team news:
Parramatta stunned the Sydney Roosters last week to claim their eighth win of the season and avoid the wooden spoon in Jason Ryles' first term.
The coach has named an unchanged outfit for the Eels' penultimate game of the season.
Dylan Walker suffered a nasty cut after copping a head knock against the Chooks, but the lock was cleared to return during the game and will be free to play this week.
Sean Russell could potentially be a late addition though after being included in the extended squad. He has missed the past few weeks due to a hand injury that resulted in Dylan Brown playing in the centres.
UPDATE:
Russell has been cleared to return from a hand injury and he has bumped Brown out of the side.
Melbourne Storm 10-40 Sydney Roosters
(Friday, August 29 at AAMI Park, 8:00pm AEST)
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Kane Bradley
3. Marion Seve
4. Grant Anderson
20. Will Warbrick
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Bronson Garlick
17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11. Shawn Blore
12. Joe Chan
13. Trent Loiero
10. Alec MacDonald
14. Jonah Pezet
15. Ativalu Lisati
16. Lazarus Vaalepu
5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
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Storm team news:
Craig Bellamy has followed the same avenue of thinking as his counterpart Ivan Cleary by resting his stars. However, he hasn't quite done it to the same extent as the Penrith boss.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster and Tyran Wishart have all been named to start in the spine.
Kane Bradley and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown have been listed on the wings, with Xavier Coates handed a rest.
Grant Anderson has moved into the centres along with Marion Seve as Nick Meaney has also been left out. Jack Howarth remains sidelined due to a groin issue.
The Storm copped a major blow in their win over Canterbury, with skipper Harry Grant hit with a two-game ban for a shoulder charge. Bronson Garlick has been handed the No.9 jersey in his absence.
Alec MacDonald will start up front after Josh King was left out of the game, while Shawn Blore has returned from an ankle complaint to take his place in the backrow.
Joe Chan, who covered for Blore last week, has swapped sides and will cover for Eli Katoa in this one.
Tui Kamikamica suffered a concussion last week and has been replaced on the bench by Lazarus Vaalepu.
Meanwhile, Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been chipping away in reserve grade for the past few weeks and has been included in the 17.
Will Warbrick finally returned to the field last week after a long-term absence due to concussion issues. The winger has been included in the extended squad, while Sua Fa'alogo has also been included as he seeks to return from a hamstring injury.
Jahrome Hughes is nearing a return from a shoulder injury and has been tipped for a potential comeback in Round 27.
UPDATE:
Warbrick will make his first appearance after an extended layoff and takes over from Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown.
Meanwhile, NAS has been promoted into the starting side up front, replacing MacDonald.
Sydney confirmed 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
14. Benaiah Ioelu
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Victor Radley
13. Naufahu Whyte
9. Connor Watson
15. Egan Butcher
17. Siua Wong
19. Blake Steep
18. Ethan King
Roosters team news:
The Roosters endured a nightmare night against the Eels last week as they suffered a surprise defeat while also losing Sam Walker to a head knock.
The halfback will miss at least one match and has been replaced in the halves by Sandon Smith. However, Hugo Savala has been handed the No.7 jersey.
In better news on the injury front for the Chooks, Daniel Tupou is back on deck after missing Round 25 due to a concussion. The veteran winger replaces Junior Tupou.
Spencer Leniu was promoted to the starting side, Naufahu Whyte switched to lock, Victor Radley moved to an edge, Siua Wong dropped to the bench and Benaiah Ioelu was handed a start at dummy-half last week in several late changes.
Trent Robinson has opted to name Leniu to start up front this week, while Whyte is at lock, Radley is on an edge and Wong will come off the bench.
UPDATE:
Ioelu has been brought into the starting side once again ahead of Watson.
There is also a late change on the bench, with Salesi Foketi dropping out for Blake Steep.