Latrell Mitchell finally cleared to return, Storm lose man mountain to injury in cruel blow to top four hopes

The Wests Tigers could be the victims of a South Sydney onslaught with Latrell Mitchell cleared to return to help them start their finals run.

Latrell Mitchell has been cleared to return after missing more than two months with a calf injury. Picture; NRL Photos

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell is set to make his long-awaited return from injury as the Rabbitohs look to fight their way back into the NRL’s top eight.

The elite fullback hasn’t played since Round 12 after he hurt his calf while in camp with the Blues, and while he went close to returning last week, he’s been given the green light to feast on the hapless Wests Tigers.

The Rabbitohs are getting close to full strength with Latrell Mitchell finally cleared to return. Picture; Matt King/Getty Images

Mitchell got through a full session on Monday morning and will spearhead a strong squad in Tamworth which sees Jai Arrow shift to the front row with Jacob Host to start on the left edge.

They face a Tigers side that welcomes back Luke Brooks from a hamstring strain that has kept him sidelined for more than a month, with the veteran playmaker set to partner Daine Laurie in the halves.

There’s more good news with Charlie Staines cleared to return on the wing from a perforated bowel, with exciting youngster Junior Tupou moving to centre.

Thomas Flegler is back for the Broncos after there were initial fears that he could miss the rest of the year. Picture; Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Broncos have received a major boost in their quest for a top two finish with Queensland star Tom Flegler set to make an earlier than expected return from a foot injury.

It’s perfect timing for Brisbane who are without the suspended Martin Taupau and Jesse Arthars, with Deine Mariner set to start on the left wing.

They face a Roosters side that is coming off a confidence boosting win over the Titans, with Victor Radley set to return at lock with the Butcher brothers starting in the back row.

The Storm have suffered a triple blow ahead of their must win game against the Eels as they try to cling on to fourth spot after last week’s loss in Newcastle.

Reimis Smith is one of three key outs for the Storm. Picture; Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Big man Nelson Asofa-Solomona underwent a minor procedure on Monday to fix a dislocated finger and will miss Friday’s game, while centre pairing Reimis Smith (adductor strain) and Justin Olam are both out.

That sees Marion Seve and Young Tonumaipea recalled in the backline, while Eliesa Katoa has been named on the bench after missing several weeks with an eye injury.

They host an Eels side that has suffered yet another setback with Shaun Lane (dislocated elbow) set to miss the rest of the year, with Andrew Davey named in the back row and new recruit Joey Lussick the fresh face on the bench.

Cronulla’s hopes of moving back into the top four have suffered a huge blow with skipper Dale Finucane facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after he injured his biceps in Sunday‘s loss to Manly.

They’ll also be without the suspended Jesse Colquhon which sees veteran Wade Graham return in the back row, with Cameron McInnes to start at lock for the daunting trip to Penrith.

The Panthers are strong favourites but will be without powerhouse prop Spencer Leniu who suffered a knee injury over the weekend.

The Sea Eagles have suffered a double blow with big men Taniela Paseka (knee) and Josh Aloiai (shoulder) both ruled out and in doubt for the rest of the regular season.

Viliame Kikau is back for the Bulldogs after missing several months with a pec injury. Picture; Julian Andrews

There are mass changes at Canterbury with Viliame Kikau set to play his first game since Round 4 after overcoming a pec injury, while Blues star Josh Addo-Carr has also overcome a hamstring complaint.

Braidon Burns, Jacob Preston and Toby Sexton are also back this weekend, while skipper Reed Mahoney returns to the starting side and new recruit Liam Knight has been included on an extended bench.

They host the Dolphins who have made a couple of key changes to the spine with speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow shifting to fullback while Jeremy Marshall-King has been named at hooker as he tries to overcome a shoulder injury.

Kulifeku Finefeuiaki will make his first start for the Cowboys in place of the injured Jeremiah Nanai who is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a shoulder injury, while Griffin Neame has also been ruled out after he failed an HIA.

And the Knights will be without Daniel Saifiti for the trip to Canberra after he was ruled out with a thigh injury.