Cronulla's injury-crisis looks set to ease further with halfback Shaun Johnson poised to return during Thursday's NRL clash with Canberra.
Johnson could make his comeback from a hamstring injury after being named on an extended bench for the match at GIO Stadium.
The New Zealand Test ace has been missing since late April and he is likely to push young No.6 Kyle Flanagan onto the bench or out of the 17.
His return shapes as a welcome relief for Sharks coach John Morris, who has been forced to deal with a horror injury run in his rookie year.
The Sharks seemingly hit their straps with the return of back-rower Wade Graham in last week's big win over Parramatta and still have Jayden Brailey (knee) and Aaron Woods (foot) to return.
Centre Josh Morris is also back on deck after being rested last week following his NSW State of Origin appearance.
Meanwhile, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will make his first appearance for Canterbury in their match-up against the Sydney Roosters after being named in the centres.
The former Penrith Panther made a mid-season switch to the Bulldogs and despite wearing the No.1 with distinction for New Zealand last year, coach Dean Pay has elected to keep Nick Meaney at No.1.
The Roosters also get their Origin stars back with Latrell Mitchell and Angus Crichton to face the Bulldogs.
The Wests Tigers have moved skipper Moses Mbye to the centres as speculation about his future bubbles along with Corey Thompson to wear the No.1.
Coach Michael Maguire has also recalled Robert Jennings for Mahe Fonua (foot).
Former Roosters playmaker Sean O'Sullivan will wear Brisbane colours for the first time, filling in for Tom Dearden (ankle), while Matt Gillett returns to replace Alex Glenn (knee) as Corey Oates is also back.
South Sydney playmaker Cody Walker is back in time for a head-to-head showdown with Penrith's James Maloney in a battle that could decide who wears the NSW No.6 jumper.
Centre Kyle Turner is also back from a toe injury with Dane Gagai to shift to the wing.
Parramatta youngster Jaeman Salmon has earned a recall and will partner Mitchell Moses in the halves.
Newcastle sensation Kalyn Ponga returns from Origin duty with Kurt Mann moving back into the No.6 and Mason Lino out of the side.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has dropped centre Gerard Beale for Patrick Herbert.
AAP
