Cleary set to return from injury as clubs prepare to roll the dice with State of Origin stars

The Panthers just got even stronger with star halfback Nathan Cleary expected to return this weekend after missing more than a month with a hamstring injury.

Nathan Cleary is one of several star players set to return this weekend. Picture; NRL Photos

Penrith’s chances of a hat-trick of premierships have received a major boost with superstar Nathan Cleary on track to return this week from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for more than a month.

The representative halfback hasn’t played since he got hurt against the Dragons days after the State of Origin opener, with Cleary listed in jersey No.24 amongst the reserves for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.

Nathan Cleary could return this week after missing more than a month with a hamstring injury. Picture; Jason McCawley/Getty Images

His inclusion almost seems unfair for the premiership favourites who have also named their Origin stars to back up against a Dolphins side that has again picked Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at centre, with Kodi Nikorima to remain at fullback.

Cleary isn’t the only big name set to return this week with Roosters hooker Brandon Smith to make his comeback from a broken thumb via the bench against his former side the Storm.

Smith hasn’t played since Round 12 and is one of several stars back for the Roosters – including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – although Sam Walker isn’t quite ready to return from an ACL injury.

Brandon Smith has had a tough start to his Roosters career, but he can make a statement when he returns this weekend against his former side. Picture; Matt King/Getty Images

The Roosters return to the SCG given Allianz Stadium is unavailable because of the women’s FIFA World Cup, and they’ll face a Melbourne side that includes Origin stars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant.

The round kicks off in Newcastle on Friday night where the Wests Tigers welcome back Api Koroisau from a broken jaw that ruled him out of the final two games for the Blues.

He starts at hooker against a Knights side that has named Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti, with the pair a chance of backing up just 48 hours after Origin.

Api Koroisau is a huge inclusion for the Wests Tigers after missing a month with a broken jaw. Picture; Fox League

A packed out Belmore will farewell Bulldogs legend Josh Reynolds in the NSW Cup curtain-raiser on Saturday, with Josh Addo-Carr set to back up from Origin in the main event.

Winger Blake Wilson has been retained after his three-try haul last week, with Jacob Kiraz shifting to centre, while Ryan Sutton (neck) will miss the game after he spent time in hospital following a scary collision last week.

The Broncos remain without the suspended Reece Walsh but they do get back-rower Kurt Capewell back, with Queensland star Patrick Carrigan listed amongst the reserves.

Daly Cherry-Evans is set to back up for the Sea Eagles as they look to keep their finals hopes alive. Picture; Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Manly has named veterans Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic to back up for the must win game at home against North Queensland, with the visitors also picking their Origin stars for a game that could see them jump into the top eight.

And the Eels expect all of their Origin players to line up on Sunday night, with experienced edge forward Shaun Lane set to start after he returned last week off the bench.

They host a Titans side that is smarting from last week’s loss to the Titans but boosted by the return of their Origin quartet.

Originally published as Cleary set to return from injury as clubs prepare to roll the dice with State of Origin stars