Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra.
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See subscription optionsThe Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold.
Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1.
"He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift.
"(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now."
South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon.
Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench.
Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week.
The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury.
The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20.
The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb.
Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out.
The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return.
The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday.
The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand).
St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence.
Australian Associated Press
