It's the last round of the regular season, with the finals now right around the corner.
Canberra wrapped up the minor premiership last week and have chosen to rest a host of their key men, while Penrith will welcome the majority of their stars back after Ivan Cleary's decision to rest everyone in Round 26.
Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the ladder, the Gold Coast and Newcastle will be out to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
MORE: All the latest injury news and updates for every NRL club
Dolphins vs. Canberra Raiders
(Sunday, September 7 at Kayo Stadium, 2:00pm)
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. Kulikefu Finefuiaki
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Kurt Donoghoe
14. Aublix Tawha
15. Ray Stone
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Josh Kerr
20. James Walsh
Phins team news:
The Dolphins will head into the last round of the regular season with a small shot at qualifying for the finals.
The Phins lost to the Knights to miss out on a top-eight finish on the last day of the regular season in 2024. This time around they need to beat the Raiders and hope the Roosters have already slipped up against Souths.
Herbie Farnworth will return from a hamstring injury if Kristian Woolf's side are still a chance of making the finals. However, he has only been included in the extended squad to start with.
Kulikefu Finefuiaki is set to return from an ankle injury and replaces Connelly Lemuelu, who has dropped out after copping a head knock last week.
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Chevy Stewart
2. Savelio Tamale
4. Sebastian Kris
16. Manaia Waitere
5. Michael Asomua
6. Adam Cook
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Corey Horsburgh
9. Owen Pattie
10. Ata Mariota
11. Noah Martin
12. Matty Nicholson
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Danny Levi
15. Trey Mooney
17. Joe Roddy
18. Kain Anderson
19. %3Cmeta%20charset%3D%22UTF-8%22%20%2F%3EVena Patuki-Case
Raiders team news:
Canberra claimed the minor premiership last week and Ricky Stuart admitted immediately afterwards that he would look to freshen up his stars ahead of their finals campaign.
And this is exactly what he has done with Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty, Joe Tapine, Tom Starling, Simi Sasagi, Josh Papalii, Zac Hosking and Hudson Young all rested.
Chevy Stewart has been handed the No.1 jersey, while debutant Michael Asomua gets a chance on the wing.
Savelio Tamale returned from a long-term knee injury in Round 26 and has been handed more game time this week.
Seb Kris was a late withdrawal last week, but has returned to the side and will form the usual centre partnership with Matt Timoko.
Adam Cook and Ethan Sanders will partner in the halves, while Owen Pattie has been promoted off the bench to start at hooker.
Corey Horsburgh will start up front along with Ata Mariota, while Morgan Smithies has been promoted off the bench to start at lock.
Matty Nicholson has spent the last two weeks returning to fitness in the NSW Cup after a long layoff. The Englishman has been brought back into the fold, while Noah Martin will start on the opposite edge.
Danny Levi, Trey Mooney, Manaia Waitere and Joe Roddy form a completely new bench rotation, with the latter two making their NRL debuts.
Parramatta Eels vs. Newcastle Knights
(Sunday, September 7 at CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm)
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Zac Lomax
3. Will Penisini
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Dylan Brown
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
20. Toni Mataele
22. Joash Papalii
Eels team news:
Parramatta have finished the season in strong fashion, winning three of their last four matches and they will be looking to claim their third win in a row when they take on the Knights.
Sean Russell was a late addition to the side against the Warriors after recovering from a hand injury.
The centre's inclusion bumped Dylan Brown out of the side, but the New Zealander will get a chance to say goodbye to the club in his usual position of five-eighth after replacing Joash Papalii in the side this week.
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Fletcher Hunt
2. Dom Young
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Jake Arthur
7. Jack Cogger
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
13. Tyson Frizell
11. Jermaine McEwen
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
15. Mat Croker
14. Jayden Brailey
16. Thomas Cant
17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana
19. Cody Hopwood
18. James Schiller
22. Lachlan Crouch
Knights team news:
Adam O'Brien will take charge of the Knights for the final time and the coach will be keen to avoid watching his side lose and possibly pick up the wooden spoon.
The coach has named an unchanged side after they went down to the Sharks last week.
Dane Gagai was listed at fullback but played in the centres, with Fletcher Hunt moving to the back following Greg Marzhew's late inclusion. This configuration will be used from the start.
Leo Thompson and Kai Pearce-Paul will play for the final time for the club as they prepare to move to NRL rivals next season.
UPDATE:
Thompson dropped out of the side, seeing Frizell move to prop and Croker into the lock, with Cody Hopwood named to make his debut off the bench.
NRL SCORES THIS WEEKEND:
Brisbane Broncos 30-14 Melbourne Storm
(Thursday, September 4 at Suncorp Stadium, 7:50pm)
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Deine Mariner
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Billy Walters
7. Ben Hunt
8. Corey Jensen
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Ben Talty
17. Jaiyden Hunt
18. %3Cmeta%20charset%3D%22UTF-8%22%20%2F%3EDelouise Hoeter
Broncos team news:
Brisbane starts the last round of the regular season in fourth spot on the ladder. If they beat the Storm, they are assured of earning a double chance in the finals.
Michael Maguire has made two changes to the side that downed North Queensland last week.
Jesse Arthars has been recalled into the backline at the expense of Gehamat Shibasaki, who has been demoted due to a disciplinary issue.
Meanwhile, Brendan Piakura has been promoted off the bench and will start in the backrow ahead of Jaiyden Hunt.
Adam Reynolds was a chance of returning from a hamstring injury in Round 26, but then suffered a setback in training, which has ruled him out until the finals.
In the captain's continued absence, Billy Walters and Ben Hunt will partner in the halves.
Xavier Willison is still sidelined with an arm injury and isn't expected back until deep into the finals.
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Grant Anderson
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
10. Josh King
9. Bronson Garlick
16. Tui Kamakimica
11. Ativalu Lisati
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
17. Joe Chan
18. Marion Seve
Storm team news:
Craig Bellamy was steaming last week as he watched on in horror as Melbourne conceded 40 unanswered points in the second half against the Roosters.
Jahrome Hughes will return to the side after recovering from a shoulder injury and takes Tyran Wishart's place at halfback.
Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney, Eli Katoa and Josh King were rested against the Chooks, but are back on deck.
Coates bumps Kane Bradley out of the side, while Marion Seve has dropped out for Meaney.
Will Warbrick made a successful return from a long-term injury last week and has retained his place on the wing.
Jack Howarth was scheduled to return from a groin issue but will not be a late addition after being included in the extended squad. Grant Anderson has been named in the centres.
King has replaced the rested Stefano Utoikamanu up front and will be partnered by Nelson Asofa-Solomona, while Katoa has been brought into the backrow at the expense of Joe Chan.
On the other edge, Shawn Blore has dropped out due to a fractured larynx, with Ativalu Lisati handed a start in the backrow.
One man who also isn't available is skipper Harry Grant, who is still serving a suspension. Bronson Garlick has been handed the No.9 jersey again, with Wishart to serve as the utility ahead of Jonah Pezet.
Lazarus Vaalepu has dropped out of the 17, with Tui Kamakimica returning from a concussion.
UPDATE:
In a late switch, NAS has dropped back to the bench and has been replaced up front by Kamakimica.
Manly Sea Eagles 27-26 New Zealand Warriors
(Friday, September 5 at 4 Pines Park, 6:00pm)
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Clayton Faulalo
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. Joey Walsh
15. Caleb Navale
16. Ethan Bullemor
18. Aaron Schoupp
21. Simione Laiafi
Sea Eagles team news:
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Manly are still a mathematical chance of making the finals, but they must rely on the Roosters and Dolphins losing, while they win this week and complete a significant turnaround in the points differential.
Tolutau Koula has been in stellar form, but saw his season come to an end against the Dragons after he suffered an MCL injury.
Aaron Schoupp replaced him off the bench last week but has dropped to 18th man this week, with Clayton Faulalo preferred to start in the centres from the start.
Joey Walsh has been close to making his debut for the past few weeks and the teenager has been brought onto the bench to serve as the utility option.
The likes of Reuben Garrick, Haumole Olakau'atu and Jake Trbojevic are confined to the casualty ward.
UPDATE:
Tof Sipley was named ahead of his trip to the judiciary as he attempted to downgrade a charge. However, the forward was unsuccessful and copped a four-match ban. Schoupp has been added to the bench in his place.
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. Sam Healey
10. Tanner Stowers-Smith
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
13. Erin Clark
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Leka Halasima
18. %3Cmeta%20charset%3D%22UTF-8%22%20%2F%3ETaine Tuaupiki
Warriors team news:
New Zealand saw their grip on the top-four slip out of their hands last week after falling to a defeat against Parramatta.
The Warriors are now at long odds to reclaim it in the last round of the regular season. They must beat the Sea Eagles, while hoping Brisbane and Cronulla lose.
Wayde Egan has dropped out due to a hip complaint and has been replaced by Sam Healey at hooker in the only change to the team that went down to the Eels.
Demitric Vaimauga has been listed to start but was then dropped to the bench for the past two matches. This time around, Andrew Webster has opted to name Tanner Stowers-Smith from the start.
Jackson Ford remains suspended until the first week of finals, while Jacob Laban is still sidelined due to a leg injury.
Sydney Roosters 36-6 South Sydney Rabbitohs
(Friday, September 5 at Allianz Stadium, 8:00pm)
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Hugo Savala
7. Sam Walker
8. Spencer Leniu
14. Benaiah Ioelu
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Victor Radley
13. Naufahu Whyte
9. Connor Watson
15. Egan Butcher
16. Blake Steep
17. Siua Wong
18. Ethan King
Roosters team news:
The equation is simple for the Roosters, beat their arch-rivals South Sydney and they will secure their place in the finals.
Trent Robinson's side will receive a major boost for the clash, with Sam Walker to return from a concussion and take his place at halfback. Sandon Smith drops out, while Hugo Savala reverts to the No.6 jersey.
The Chooks have gone heavy up front for the derby, with Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Collins and Naufahu Whyte all named to start.
Connor Watson has been named at hooker for the past few weeks, but has dropped back to the bench late on for Benaiah Ioelu. The former has been listed in the No.9 jersey again.
Victor Radley starts on an edge due to Whyte's inclusion at lock, while support will come off the pine from Egan Butcher and Siua Wong.
Blake Steep was a late addition to the 17 against the Storm and remains in the side ahead of Salesi Foketi.
UPDATE:
Watson has dropped back to the bench once again and Ioelu has been brought into the starting side.
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Jack Wighton
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Ashton Ward
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Sean Keppie
9. Siliva Havili
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Tallis Duncan
12. Jai Arrow
13. Lachlan Hubner
14. Brandon Smith
15. Jacob Host
16. Cody Walker
17. Cameron Murray
18. Euan Aitken
Rabbitohs team news:
South Sydney will be out to spoil the party by halting the Roosters' run into the finals.
The Bunnies will welcome some stars back for the clash, with Cameron Murray returning from injury and Jack Wighton back from suspension.
Jye Gray has been a shining light for Wayne Bennett's side recently and will keep the No.1 jersey, with Latrell Mitchell missing the match due to a back injury.
Wighton and Isaiah Tass are set to line up in the centres, with Tallis Duncan reverting to the backrow.
Tyrone Munro has beaten Bayleigh Bentley-Hape for a place on the other wing to Alex Johnston, who will be attempting to break the all-time try-scoring record.
Cody Walker has been utilised off the bench for the last few games as he has been eased back from injury. The playmaker has been named on the pine again, with Ashton Ward given another chance to impress.
Jacob Host has dropped out of the starting side but has remained in the 17, while Thomas Fletcher has been ruled out.
Host will be joined on the pine by Murray, who has been brought in for his first game of the season.
Brandon Smith has been named despite the drug and gambling controversies hanging over his head, while Peter Mamouzelos has dropped to the reserves.
St George Illawarra Dragons 20-40 Penrith Panthers
(Saturday, September 6 at WIN Stadium, 3:00pm)
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
5. Tyrell Sloan
3. Hayden Buchanan
4. Mathew Feagai
19. Corey Allan
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
Dragons team news:
Shane Flanagan will be looking to finish the season on a positive note as they take on the reigning premiers in their last game of the year.
The coach has named an unchanged side despite falling to a 40-24 loss to the Sea Eagles last week.
Moses Suli was originally tipped to return in Round 27, but the centre has been put on ice.
He is joined in the casualty ward by long-term absentees: Valentine Holmes, Dylan Egan, Toby Couchman and Ryan Couchman.
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Thomas Jenkins
3. Izack Tago
4. Casey McLean
5. Paul Alamoti
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Luke Garner
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Brad Schneider
15. Liam Henry
16. Isaiah Papali'i
18. Daine Laurie
19. Mavrik Geyer
Panthers team news:
Ivan Cleary refused to commit to whether he would recall his 16 first graders after resting them against the Dogs. However, the coach has recalled all but two of them this week.
Brian To'o has been given another week off to rest and recover, while Liam Martin joins him on the sidelines.
Dylan Edwards slots in at fullback after Daine Laurie impressed in the No.1 jersey in his absence. Meanwhile, Thomas Jenkins, Izack Tago and Casey McLean will join Paul Alamoti in the backline.
Jesse McLean, Sione Fonua and David Fale have dropped out.
Blaize Talagi and Nathan Cleary return to the halves, pushing Brad Schneider back to the bench and Jack Cole out of the side.
Moses Leota and Lindsay Smith will start up front, while Luron Patea has dropped out of the 17.
Mitch Kenny starts in the No.9 jersey, replacing Luke Sommerton at dummy-half.
Zac Lipowicz and Mavrik Geyer have been replaced on the edges by Scott Sorensen and Luke Garner.
Matthew Eisenhuth has been replaced by Isaah Yeo at lock, although he has kept his place in the team as he has been included on the bench.
Liam Henry and Isaiah Papali'i have taken their places on the pine, with Soni Luke, Preston Riki, Riley Price and Billy Phillips dropping out.