NRL Early Mail Round 23: All the latest news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements

CAMERON Munster and Tohu Harris are eyeing returns for the Melbourne Storm’s top-of-the-table clash against the Roosters.

Tohu Harris could return from a shoulder injury.

PREDICTED team changes and gossip heading into round 23.

RABBITOHS V BULLDOGS

Thursday 10 August, 7.50pm at ANZ Stadium

Rabbitohs: Aaron Gray (achilles) is expected to return to the backline in place of last week’s debutant Campbell Graham.

Bulldogs: Greg Eastwood (knee) returns. It’s unclear whether Des Hasler will persist with Chase Stanley at five-eighth following another poor attacking performance from the Belmore-based side.

EELS V KNIGHTS

Friday 11 August, 6pm at ANZ Stadium

Eels: Bevan French (hamstring) is “touch and go” but likely to be rested. Josh Hoffman and Will Smith are in the running for the fullback spot. Tepai Moeroa (ribs) returns, with Kenny Edwards set to drop to the bench.

Bevan French has a hamstring injury.

Knights: Nathan Ross (back) has avoided surgery but is unlikely to play again this year. Peter Mata’utia, Dane Gagai and Brendan Elliot are in the running to wear the No.1, with Shaun Kenny-Dowall (hamstring) set to come onto the wing after sitting out last week with a minor injury. Chanel Mata’utia (tripping) is free to play after taking the early guilty plea.

BRONCOS V SHARKS

Friday 11 August, 7.50pm at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: Joe Ofahengaue (dangerous throw) is suspended for three weeks. Jai Arrow and George Fai shape as the most likely replacements. James Roberts has copped a $1,650 fine for contrary conduct and is free to play.

Sharks: James Maloney (broken hand) returns after just falling short last week, replacing Fa’amanu Brown. Jack Bird (dislocated shoulder) is almost certainly out, with Kurt Capewell to play right centre. Wade Graham (dangerous throw) is free to play after taking the early guilty plea.

DRAGONS V TITANS

Saturday 12 August, 3pm at UOW Jubilee Oval

Dragons: Josh Dugan (ankle) will be named after being cleared of serious injury. Euan Aitken (shoulder) requires surgery at the end of the season but is hoping to push through the rest of the year and is in contention for a return this week. Jake Marketo (dangerous contact) is free to play after taking an early guilty plea.

Titans: Coach Neil Henry is expected to name Ashley Taylor (knee), who picked up a minor knee injury last week but is in doubt. Kevin Proctor (hamstring) is expected to return, pushing Max King to the bench.

Tohu Harris is aiming for a comeback.

STORM V ROOSTERS

Saturday 12 August, 5.30pm at AAMI Park

Storm: Tohu Harris (shoulder) and Cameron Munster (ankle) are both expected to return. Munster would replace Ryley Jacks in the halves. Harris would likely push Slade Griffin out of the 17.

Roosters: Boyd Cordner (knee/calf) and Jake Friend (broken hand) make timely returns for the top-of-the-table clash. Ryan Matterson drops to the bench to accommodate Cordner. Victor Radley drops out for Friend. Daniel Tupou (groin) is out for six weeks. Sio Siua Taukeiaho (dislocated finger) is available for selection after being cleared of a fracture.

Cameron Munster is set to return from an ankle injury.

PANTHERS V COWBOYS

Saturday 12 August, 7.30pm at Pepper Stadium

Panthers: Matt Moylan (hamstring) returns in the halves for Tyrone May. Trent Merrin (knee) is aiming for next week.

Cowboys: Scott Bolton (elbow), Gavin Cooper (calf), Antonio Winterstein (hamstring) and Te Marie Martin (knee) are all in doubt.

WARRIORS V RAIDERS

Sunday 13 August, 2pm at Mt Smart Stadium

Warriors: Ryan Hoffman (foot) is slated to return on the left fringe. Expect Simon Mannering to switch back to lock, Bunty Afoa to run the right edge, and Jazz Tevaga or Isaiah Papalii to drop out of the 17. David Fusitu’a (concussion) must pass the protocol.

Raiders: No changes after the weekend win over defending premiers Cronulla.

TIGERS V SEA EAGLES

Sunday 13 August, 4pm at Leichhardt Oval

Tigers: No changes expected, with Matt McIlwrick (dangerous throw) free to play after taking the early guilty plea.

Sea Eagles: Addin Fonua-Blake (suspension) returns, with Kelepi Tanginoa to drop off the bench. Matt Wright (shoulder) will be named on the wing and is expected to play. Brian Kelly was rested on Sunday and could make his way back into the side at left centre.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail Round 23: All the latest news ahead of Tuesday’s team announcements