The race for positions on the ladder is heating up as the finishing line for the regular season comes into view.
Melbourne will be looking to solidify their place in the top-four and bounce back from a loss last week when they travel up to Sydney to take on the Roosters in the opening match of the round.
North Queensland and St George Illawarra are contending with extended injury lists and poor runs of form as they lock horns in Townsville, while South Sydney are also in the same boat as Wayne Bennett attempts to manage a full-blown injury crisis.
Elsewhere, Penrith will welcome Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo back to the fold, while Brisbane will be boosted by the return of Payne Haas. It's also good news for Parramatta, who will bring their captain Mitch Moses back from injury.
However, the Gold Coast's nightmare season has continued with their captain ruled out after suffering a knee injury in Round 20.
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Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Manly Sea Eagles
(Sunday, July 27 at Allianz Stadium, 4:05pm AEST)
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Enari Tuala
6. Matt Burton
7. Lachlan Galvin
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Kurt Mann
15. Harry Hayes
16. Josh Curran
17. Bailey Hayward
19. Jethro Rinakama
20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Bulldogs team news:
Canterbury got out of jail against the Dragons last week as Lachlan Galvin and Jethro Rinakama combined for a late match-winner.
However, the latter has lost his place in the 17 due to Bronson Xerri's return from a groin issue. Enari Tuala has switched to the wing to accommodate the centre's return.
Josh Curran was brought into the starting side late last week as he replaced Sam Hughes. But the latter has been handed a starting spot this week, while Curran replaces Sitili Tupouniua on the bench after he re-injured his hamstring upon his return.
Manly confirmed team:
1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Tom Trbojevic
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Matthew Lodge
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau'atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
15. Corey Waddell
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Toafofoa Sipley
22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
18. Tommy Talau
20. Caleb Navale
Sea Eagles team news:
Anthony Seibold's side battled to an impressive win over the Storm last week, with the coach making just one change to his 17.
Haumole Olakau'atu is back on deck after recovering from a shoulder injury in a major boost for the Sea Eagles. His inclusion pushes Corey Waddell to the bench and Tommy Talau out of the 17.
Jake Simpkin was ruled out last week after copping an illegal elbow from Nelson Asofa-Solomona. However, the club has overturned the independent doctor's assessment and he will be free to take his place on the bench.
Taniela Paseka is not expected to return from a long-term Achilles injury until the last few rounds of the regular season, while Nathan Brown is only scheduled to return from a biceps injury in the finals.
NRL SCORES THIS WEEKEND (ROUND 21):
Sydney Roosters 30-34 Melbourne Storm
(Thursday, July 24 at Allianz Stadium, 7:50pm AEST)
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Ethan King
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Sandon Smith
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Salesi Foketi
17. Spencer Leniu
13. Siua Wong
14. Zach Dockar-Clay
15. Blake Steep
16. Egan Butcher
18. Tom Rodwell
Roosters team news:
Billy Smith has been sidelined after suffering a head knock during his side's loss to the Sharks last week. Ethan King has been handed another start in the centres as his replacement.
Trent Robinson made the surprise decision to hand veteran Chad Townsend a recall last week but he has dropped out of the side altogether for this one.
Sandon Smith, who was overlooked in Round 20, has been named in the No.6 jersey.
Victor Radley suffered a shoulder injury during the loss and could be looking at an extended period of time on the sidelines.
Siua Wong has returned ahead of schedule from a knee injury to take the English international's place at lock.
Nat Butcher is expected to be absent for one more week as he bids to recover from a knee issue.
UPDATE:
In a late change, Spencer Leniu has been promoted into the starting side ahead of Wong and will start at lock.
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Nick Meaney
17. Kane Bradley
2. Grant Anderson
3. Jack Howarth
5. Xavier Coates
6. Tyran Wishart
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
4. Joe Chan
14. Bronson Garlick
15. Ativalu Lisati
16. Tui Kamikamica
18. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
Storm team news:
Ryan Papenhuyzen remains sidelined with a calf issue that has sidelined him for the past three games. In his absence, Nick Meaney will once again wear the No.1 jersey.
In more bad news, Cameron Munster will not play for the Storm as he attends the funeral of his father on Friday afternoon. In Munster's absence, Craig Bellamy has handed Tyran Wishart a start at five-eighth.
Stefano Utoikamanu was dropped to the bench late in the piece last week but has been named to start in this one, with Tui Kamikamica going back to the pine.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has copped a two-game ban for an elbow on Jake Simpkin in Round 20. So, Kane Bradley and Bronson Garlick are the news faces on the bench.
Will Warbrick is closing in on a return to action after missing three months due to concussion issues, yet he remains a week or two away.
The Kiwi flyer is joined in the casualty ward by Sua Faalogo and Alec MacDonald.
UPDATE:
In a late change, Joe Chan has dropped to the bench and Bradley has been added into the starting side.
North Queensland Cowboys 38-32 St George Illawarra Dragons
(Friday, July 25 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 6:00pm AEST)
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Robert Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Zac Laybutt
5. Braidon Burns
6. Thomas Duffy
7. Tom Dearden
8. Harrison Edwards
9. Reece Robson
10. Griffin Neame
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Karl Lawton
15. Kaiden Lahrs
16. Kai O'Donnell
17. Coen Hess
18. Jaxson Paulo
Cowboys team news:
North QLD has won just one of their past seven matches and are in desperate need of a win as they try to turn their season around.
Murray Taulagi is set for a stint on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during last week's loss to the Dolphins. Robert Derby has been recalled as a result of the injury.
Braidon Burns has switched onto the wing, while Jaxon Purdue has returned to the centres to accommodate for the inclusion of Thomas Duffy in the halves.
Jake Clifford, who has missed the last two matches due to a quad issue, remains out of action.
Thomas Mikaele suffered a knee injury during the loss to the Phins and is out of this one. With Jordan McLean, Sam McIntyre and Jason Taumalolo already in the casualty ward, the Cowboys' forward stocks are running thin.
Harrison Edwards has been handed a start at prop, with Reuben Cotter taking back over at lock after featuring on an edge for the past two games.
John Bateman makes a welcome return from injury to take his spot in the backrow.
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Mathew Feagai
5. Corey Allan
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Kyle Flanagan
10. David Klemmer
9. Damien Cook
15. Blake Lawrie
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Jack de Belin
8. Emre Guler
14. Jacob Liddle
16. Hamish Stewart
17. Michael Molo
18. Nick Tsougranis
Dragons team news:
There has been another shuffle in the backline for the Red V with Sione Finau the latest addition to the casualty ward after he suffered a dislocated shoulder last week.
Christian Tuipulotu was scheduled to return from a hamstring injury this week, however he remains out.
As a result, Corey Allan has moved to the wing and Mat Feagai has been brought into the backline in the only change from last week.
Emre Guler has been named to start up front alongside David Klemmer despite dropping to the bench late on last week for Michael Molo.
Nathan Lawson and Hame Sele remain in the casualty ward. Meanwhile, Valentine Holmes, Toby Couchman, Ryan Couchman and Dylan Egan are out for the season.
UPDATE:
In a late switch in the pack, Blake Lawrie has been brought into the starting side in the place of Guler.
Brisbane Broncos 20-22 Parramatta Eels
(Friday, July 25 at Suncorp Stadium, 8:00pm AEST)
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Xavier Willison
9. Ben Hunt
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Billy Walters
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Corey Jensen
17. Jack Gosiewski
18. Tyson Smoothy
19. Deine Mariner
Broncos team news:
Jesse Arthars and Payne Haas will return after missing their side's most recent game in Round 19 before the bye.
Deine Mariner and Ben Talty are the two men who have dropped out of the 17.
Brendan Piakura suffered a concussion in Round 19 but is expected to be good to go after enjoying the bye last week. He has been named to start for this clash.
Corey Jensen will return to the fold, although he has been unable to shift Xavier Willison from the starting side. Tyson Smoothy has lost his spot on the pine to make room for the forward.
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Joash Papali’i
2. Zac Lomax
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Dean Hawkins
7. Mitch Moses
8. J’maine Hopgood
9. Ryley Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Charlie Guymer
12. Jack Williams
13. Dylan Walker
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Luca Moretti
16. Matt Doorey
17. Sam Tuivaiti
19. Jordan Samrani
22. Dylan Brown
Eels team news:
Parra haven't tasted victory in the past month but are set for some major boosts this week as they attempt to avoid the wooden spoon.
Mitch Moses is back on deck after being sidelined since just before Origin II with a calf issue. Dean Hawkins hands over the No.7 jersey, although he retains a place in the halves with Dylan Brown once again overlooked.
In a major blow, Isaiah Iongi is set for a stint on the sidelines due to a hand injury. Joash Papali'i will be his replacement after playing at five-eighth last week against the Raiders.
Will Penisini returns from suspension and takes Bailey Simonsson's position in the side.
Kelma Tuilagi still has one more game to serve of a ban, so Charlie Guymer will continue on an edge.
Meanwhile, on the bench, Luca Moretti has been brought into the fold while Jordan Samrani has dropped to the reserves.
New Zealand Warriors 16-24 Gold Coast Titans
(Saturday, July 26 at Go Media Stadium, 3:00pm AEST)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Adam Pompey
4. Kurt Capewell
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Tanah Boyd
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Jackson Ford
11. Leka Halasima
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Jacob Laban
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith
20. Sam Healey
Warriors team news:
After getting out of jail with a last-ditch play last week against the Knights, Andrew Webster has made just one change to a winning side.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will return from a knee injury and replaces Taine Tuaupiki at fullback.
Rocco Berry is expected to be out for another month with a shoulder injury, while Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett's seasons are done.
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
11. Chris Randall
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
12. Beau Fermor
14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
13. Klese Haas
15. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
16. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui
17. Josh Patston
19. Sean Mullany
18. Arama Hau
Titans team news:
The Gold Coast are rooted to the bottom of the ladder will be without their inspirational captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui after he suffered a knee injury during his side's loss to the Tigers. Klese Haas has been chosen to take over at lock.
That's not the only headline player missing this week for Des Hasler though with no sign of David Fifita after he has reportedly been struck down by an ankle issue once again.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira, who has been named on the bench for the past two games but has failed to step foot onto the pitch on both occasions, has only been named in the reserves.
Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui and Jacob Alick-Wiencke have been added to the pine, along with fellow fresh face Josh Patston.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard was moved to the bench late in the piece in Round 20 and Jaimin Jolliffe has been picked to start once again.
UPDATE:
Sam Verrills has dropped out of the side after copping a head knock last week and has been replaced by Sean Mullany.
Penrith Panthers 36-2 Wests Tigers
(Saturday, July 26 at CommBank Stadium, 5:30pm AEST)
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Izack Tago
4. Casey McLean
5. Brian To'o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Luke Garner
12. Isaiah Papalii
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Brad Schneider
15. Liam Henry
16. Luron Patea
19. Liam Martin
18. Paul Alamoti
Panthers team news:
The reigning premiers are riding a six-game winning streak as they have surged up the ladder and will now welcome Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo back to the fold.
Brad Schneider has gone to the bench, while Scott Sorensen has dropped out of the team altogether to accommodate the duo. Jack Cole is also out of the mix after being a late addition to the bench last week.
Brian To'o struggled with a leg issue during his side's win over the Bunnies but he has been named to start.
Paul Alamoti has dropped out of the side though as he makes way for Izack Tago, who missed last week's win due to suspension.
Liam Martin could be a late addition to the 17 after being included in the reserves. The enforcer hasn't played since being sidelined with a wrist issue he picked up in the Origin decider.
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Sunia Turuva
2. Izaac Tu'itupou
3. Taylan May
4. Starford To'a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jarome Luai
7. Latu Fainu
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Alex Twal
11. Alex Seyfarth
12. Tony Sukkar
13. Adam Doueihi
14. Tristan Hope
15. Jack Bird
16. Fonua Pole
17. Sione Fainu
22. Krystian Mapapalangi
Tigers team news:
Jahream Bula will not return from a hamstring injury this week, so Sunia Turuva remains in the No.1 jersey.
However, there has been a change in the backline despite the Tigers' last-gasp win in Round 20, with Charlie Staines dropping to the reserves. He has been replaced on the wing by former Rabbitoh Izaac Thompson.
Taylan May made an impressive club debut in the centres and will continue in the side with Adam Douehi also making a successful transition to lock.
Api Koroisau was dropped to the bench late in the piece last week, but has been named to start for this one ahead of Tristan Hope.
Alex Seyfarth was also moved to the bench after initially being named to start in the backrow in the place of the injured Samuela Fainu, who is facing a stint on the sidelines due to a knee injury.
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South Sydney Rabbitohs 12-14 Cronulla Sharks
(Saturday, July 26 at Industree Group Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Tallis Duncan
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Jack Wighton
7. Lewis Dodd
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Siliva Havili
10. Sean Keppie
11. Euan Aitken
12. Jai Arrow
13. Lachlan Hubner
14. Liam Le Blanc
15. Jacob Host
16. Ryan Gray
17. Ashton Ward
18. Thomas Fletcher
19. Shaq Mitchell
Rabbitohs team news:
Wayne Bennett's side have now lost seven matches in a row while their injury list continues to climb.
Peter Mamouzelos and Keaon Koloamatangi are the latest additions to the casualty ward, with the latter sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a syndesmosis injury during the loss to the Panthers.
Jamie Humphreys is also out this week after he copped a head knock in Round 20 to force a major shuffle in the spine.
Thankfully, Jye Gray is back on deck ahead of schedule and will take over in the No.1 jersey, while Lewis Dodd has been handed his chance to impress at halfback.
Elsewhere in the backline, Alex Johnston reverts to the wing, Isaiah Tass takes over in the centres and Euan Aitken returns to the backrow.
Sean Keppie has been promoted off the bench to start up front, while support will be supplied by Ryan Gray and debutant Ashton Ward off the pine.
Thomas Fletcher served as 18th man last week but has been unable to grab a spot in the 17 this week.
Latrell Mitchell, Campbell Graham and Cody Walker are key attacking talent on the sidelines, while Brandon Smith is also out but could return as early as in Round 22.
Jayden Sullivan, Cameron Murray and Davvy Moale are not expected to play again this year.
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Sifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Billy Burns
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Jesse Colquhoun
16. Toby Rudolf
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
19. Chris Vea'ila
20. Hohepa Puru
Sharks team news:
Craig Fitzgibbon's side appears to have found form at exactly the right time as they have claimed two wins in a row ahead of an enticing run of fixtures.
The coach will welcome Jesse Ramien back into the fold after the centre missed last week's win over the Roosters due to hamstring tightness. As a result, Chris Vea'ila has dropped out.
Elsewhere, Briton Nikora will miss at least one match after the backrower copped a head knock against the Roosters.
Billy Burns replaces him in the starting side, while Daniel Atkinson has been added back to the bench.
Tom Hazelton and KL Iro remain long-term absentees for the Sharks.
Canberra Raiders 44-18 Newcastle Knights
(Sunday, July 27 at GIO Stadium, 2:00pm AEST)
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Jed Stuart
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Simi Sasagi
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali’i
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
13. Corey Horsburgh
14. Owen Pattie
15. Noah Martin
16. Morgan Smithies
17. Ata Mariota
18. Manaia Waitere
21. Danny Levi
Raiders team news:
Canberra overcame a slow start to ease to victory over the Eels last week as they continued their dream run at the top of the ladder.
Ricky Stuart has made just one change to the side with Seb Kris dropping out. Simi Sasagi takes over in his place in the centres, while Noah Martin is the new face on the bench.
Matty Nicholson is nearing a return from a long-term injury, although he is still a few weeks away. Savelio Tamale is not expected to return until the final weeks of the regular season.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Dane Gagai
2. Dom Young
3. Fletcher Hunt
22. Kyle McCarthy
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Jackson Hastings
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Jermaine McEwen
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Phoenix Crossland
14. Tyson Gamble
15. Mat Croker
16. Tyson Frizell
17. Jack Hetherington
18. Thomas Cant
20. Matthew Arthur
Knights team news:
Newcastle came agonisingly close to claiming an impressive win over the Warriors last week, only to concede a try in the last play of the game.
Adam O'Brien was left gutted but proud of his side's efforts after the injury-hit Knights also contended with a virus running through the team ahead of kick-off.
The coach has made just the one change to his 17 with Jack Hetherington added to the bench ahead of Thomas Cant.
Brodie Jones was a late omission last week due to illness and has only been listed in the reserves as Jermaine McEwen has kept hold of his place in the starting side.
Meanwhile, Dane Gagai will need to be monitored after the skipper picked up a corked thigh in Round 20.
Adam Elliott is still expected to be sidelined for another month, while Kalyn Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe and Dylan Lucas will not return this year.
UPDATE:
O'Brien has confirmed in a major blow that Bradman Best will not play in the nation's capital due to a knee injury.