The last round of the regular season has arrived with a number of outcomes still to be decided on the ladder.
A full-strength Melbourne outfit blitzed the Broncos in the opening match of the round.
The Wests Tigers have been handed a boost for their 'Spoon Bowl' clash against Parramatta, while it will be a battle of the walking wounded when South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters meet.
The Chooks' premiership hopes took a massive hit last week with Sam Walker, Brandon Smith and Victor Radley suffering season-ending injuries with Trent Robinson now tasked with replacing the trio.
Elsewhere, Cronulla have been boosted by the returns of a number of key players into their backline forcing Craig Fitzgibbon into making some tough decisions.
Wayne Bennett also faced a similar situation when his Dolphins side welcomes back two veterans for their crunch clash against Newcastle.
NRL LATEST NEWS: NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
Wests Tigers vs. Parramatta Eels
Friday, September 6 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium (6.00pm)
Wests Tigers confirmed team:
1. Heath Mason
2. Junior Tupou
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Josh Feledy
5. Charlie Staines
6. Lachlan Galvin
14. Latu Fainu
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Alex Seyfarth
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Isaiah Papali'i
15. Sione Fainu
16. Fonua Pole
17. Alex Twal
22. Tony Sukkar
19. Alex Lobb
20. Reuben Porter
Tigers team news:
Junior Tupou moves from the centre to wing with Josh Feledy taking over in the No.4 jersey, while Solomon Alaimalo drops out.
Aidan Sezer suffered a shoulder injury in the club's most recent match but was initially named to start at halfback. However, he has since dropped out with Latu Fainu to start in his place.
Tony Sukkar has been added to the pine and will make his NRL debut.
Parramatta confirmed team:
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Blaize Talagi
5. Sean Russell
6. Dylan Brown
7. Daejarn Asi
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Brendan Hands
10. Shaun Lane
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. Joe Ofahengaue
14. Joey Lussick
15. Makahesi Makatoa
16. Luca Moretti
17. Ofahiki Ogden
18. Jake Tago
20. Ethan Sanders
Eels team news:
Trent Barrett hasn't made too many changes to the side after the Eels knocked off the Dragons last week.
Jake Tago was a late addition to the backline in Round 26 with Sean Russell dropping out, but the latter has been reinstated this week.
Kelma Tuilagi also dropped out of the side late and was replaced by Ofahiki Ogden, but the backrower's inclusion sees Shaun Lane return to prop and Ogden go the pine.
Dan Keir suffered a concussion against the Dragons and has been ruled out for this one.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Sydney Roosters
Friday, September 6 at Accor Stadium (8.00pm)
South Sydney confirmed team:
1. Jye Gray
2. Tyrone Munro
3. Taane Milne
4. Richard Kennar
5. Jacob Gagai
6. Cody Walker
7. Dean Hawkins
10. Thomas Burgess
9. Damien Cook
13. Davvy Moale
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jacob Host
8. Tallis Duncan
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Liam Le Blanc
16. Sean Keppie
17. Siliva Havili
18. Michael Chee Kam
19. Izaac Thompson
20. Brock Gray
21. Fletcher Myers
22. Dion Teaupa
Rabbitohs team news:
Richie Kennar has been recalled into the side and takes over from Fletcher Myers, who drops to the reserves.
Jack Wighton was taken off after struggling with a calf issue last week and has been ruled out. Dean Hawkins takes his place in the halves, with Cody Walker reverting to five-eighth.
The Bunnies will bid farewell to Damien Cook and Thomas Burgess, who will make their last appearances for the club with the Englishman promoted into the starting side.
Tallis Duncan starts at lock and will wear the No.8 jersey in honour of the newly crowned Immortal Ron Coote.
Sydney confirmed team:
1. James Tedesco
2. Fetalaiga Pauga
3. Joseph Suaalii
4. Joey Manu
5. Dom Young
6. Luke Keary
7. Sandon Smith
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Naufahu Whyte
14. Zach Dockar-Clay
15. Siua Wong
16. De La Salle Va'a
17. Terrell May
18. Michael Jennings
19. Blake Steep
20. Mark Nawaqanitawase
21. Jake Elliott
22. Xavier Va'a
Roosters team news:
The Chooks endured a nightmare afternoon last week against the Raiders with Sam Walker, Brandon Smith and Victor Radley all suffering serious injuries.
To now add to this, Daniel Tupou is also missing while Nat Butcher has been ruled out due to concussion protocols.
In a rare bit of good news, Joseph Suaalii returns from a neck issue to play in the centres ahead of Michael Jennings with Fetalaiga Pauga named on the wing.
However, Mark Nawaqanitawase is reportedly set to make his NRL debut after impressing in reserve grade.
Sandon Smith slots into the halves, while Connor Watson takes over duties at hooker, Sitili Tupouniua replaces Radley on an edge and Naufahu Whyte takes over at lock.
Zach Dockar-Clay has been promoted from 18th man to take the utility spot on the bench, while Siua Wong and debutant De La Salle Va'a have also been added to the 17.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canberra Raiders
Saturday, September 7 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium (3.00pm)
St George Illawarra confirmed team:
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Zac Lomax
3. Moses Suli
4. Jack Bird
5. Mathew Feagai
6. Lyhkan King-Togia
7. Ben Hunt
8. Francis Molo
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Jack de Belin
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Tom Eisenhuth
14. Connor Muhleisen
15. Toby Couchman
16. Blake Lawrie
17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
18. Hamish Stewart
19. Michael Molo
20. Savelio Tamale
21. Max Feagai
22. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
Dragons team news:
Shane Flanagan was enraged after his side threw away control of their finals fate against the Eels and has made a number of changes.
Max Feagai drops to the reserves with Moses Suli named to return from a knee injury, while Mathew Feagai slides over to the wing to replace Mikaele Ravalawa.
Jack Bird has also joined the backline with Lyhkan King-Togia promoted off the bench as he will start at five-eighth.
Jacob Liddle will return to dummy-half after missing last week's loss to attend the birth of his child. Connor Muhleisen drops back to the bench, as a result.
Blake Lawrie was originally named on the pine last week but then dropped to 18th man. He has been included this week ahead of Ryan Couchman.
Canberra confirmed team:
1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Albert Hopoate
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Sebastian Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali’i
9. Tom Starling
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Simi Sasagi
13. Morgan Smithies
14. Danny Levi
15. Corey Horsburgh
16. Ata Mariota
17. Trey Mooney
18. James Schiller
19. Zac Woolford
20. Emre Guler
21. Jed Stuart
22. Adam Cook
Raiders team news:
Ricky Stuart has made minimal changes after his side knocked off the Panthers and Roosters in consecutive weeks.
Veterans Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead have played their final games for the Raiders though after the Kiwi suffered a fractured cheekbone last week and the Englishman copped a three-match ban.
Kaeo Weekes moves from five-eighth to fullback with Ethan Strange returning from injury at five-eighth.
It's also good news for Jamal Fogarty, with the veteran listed to return from a hamstring injury ahead of Adam Cook.
Simi Sasagi has been handed the starting role in the backrow, while Trey Mooney has received a recall onto the pine.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. North Queensland Cowboys
Saturday, September 7 at Accor Stadium (5.30pm)
Canterbury confirmed team:
1. Connor Tracey
2. Jeral Skelton
3. Jacob Kiraz
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Drew Hutchison
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Sam Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Bailey Hayward
15. Kurtis Morrin
16. Harry Hayes
17. Josh Curran
19. Blake Taaffe
20. Jack Underhill
21. Eli Clark
22. Lipoi Hopoi
23. Jonathan Sua
Bulldogs team news:
Stephen Crichton is back on deck after serving a one-match suspension. However, Bronson Xerri is now banned, so it's a straight swap with the centres.
Matt Burton suffered a head knock last week, so will be replaced in the halves by Drew Hutchison in an otherwise settled side.
North Queensland confirmed team:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Villiami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Harrison Edwards
17. Griffin Neame
18. Jaxon Purdue
19. Chad Townsend
20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
21. Marly Bitungane
22. Tom Chester
Cowboys team news:
Todd Payten has made just the one change following last week's win over the Storm with Thomas Mikaele added to the bench ahead of Jaxon Purdue.
Jason Taumalolo dropped back to the pine in Round 26 with Sam McIntyre starting up front instead. However, the veteran has been named in the No.10 jersey.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki could be a late addition after he missed last week's game with a hand injury. The backrower has been included in the extended squad.
Penrith Panthers vs. Gold Coast Titans
Saturday, September 7 at Penrith Park (7.35pm)
Penrith confirmed team:
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To'o
6. Brad Schneider
7. Jarome Luai
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Trent Toelau
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Liam Henry
17. Luke Garner
18. Matthew Eisenhuth
19. Mavrik Geyer
20. Casey McLean
21. Daine Laurie
22. Luke Sommerton
Panthers team news:
Scott Sorensen is set to return from a hamstring injury this week, with his inclusion in the backrow pushing Luke Garner to the bench and Matthew Eisenhuth to 18th man.
Gold Coast confirmed team:
1. Keano Kini
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
3. Brian Kelly
4. Beau Fermor
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Jayden Campbell
7. Kieran Foran
8. Mo Fotuaika
9. Sam Verrills
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
11. Chris Randall
12. Klese Haas
13. Isaac Liu
14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
15. Erin Clark
16. Keenan Palasia
17. Arama Hau
18. Josiah Pahulu
19. Tanah Boyd
20. Joe Stimson
21. Tony Francis
22. Jaylan De Groot
Titans team news:
Keano Kini is set to return to fullback after missing last week with Jaylan De Groot dropping out after making his NRL debut.
Beau Fermor remains in the centres with Phillip Sami still sidelined.
David Fifita will join him in the casualty ward after being sent in for surgery on an ankle. Klese Haas has been promoted into the starting side in his absence.
There are two new faces on the bench with the recalled Jacob Alick joined by debutant Arama Hau.
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Cronulla Sharks
Sunday, September 8 at 4 Pines Park (2.00pm)
Manly confirmed team:
1. Tolutau Koula
2. Clayton Faulalo
3. Tommy Talau
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Matt Lodge
11. Haumole Olakau'atu
12. Karl Lawton
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Ben Trbojevic
15. Josh Aloiai
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Nathan Brown
18. Toafofoa Sipley
19. Jamie Humphreys
20. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
21. Jaxson Paulo
22. Caleb Navale
Sea Eagles team news:
Two massive blows for the Sea Eagles with Tom Trbojevic and Jason Saab picking up injuries last week.
Tolutau Koula has been handed the No.1 jersey, while Clayton Faulalo will take a spot on the wing.
Ben Trbojevic has been added to the pine after being named as 18th man last week.
Cronulla confirmed team:
1. Will Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Toby Rudolf
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Jack Williams
16. Royce Hunt
17. Thomas Hazelton
18. Braden Hamlin-Uele
19. Sifa Talakai
20. Jayden Berrell
21. Tuku Hau Tapuha
22. Samuel Stonestreet
Sharks team news:
Craig Fitzgibbon has made a number of tough decisions with Daniel Atkinson and Samuel Stonestreet replaced in the backline by the returning duo Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jesse Ramien.
Stonestreet has moved to the reserves, although Atkinson has been retained in the 17 with a place on the bench. Braden Hamlin-Uele drops off the pine to make way for the utility.
Sifa Talakai could also be back on deck after missing the past two games due to a calf injury, although he hasn't managed to force his way into the 17 initially.
Newcastle Knights vs. Dolphins
Sunday, September 8 at McDonald Jones Stadium (4.05pm)
Newcastle confirmed team:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Fletcher Sharpe
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Jack Cogger
7. Phoenix Crossland
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Adam Elliott
14. Tyson Gamble
15. Mat Croker
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Brodie Jones
18. Thomas Cant
19. Will Pryce
20. Jackson Hastings
21. Sebastian Su'a
22. Kai Pearce-Paul
Knights team news:
Tyson Frizell is set to return from a head knock to take Brodie Jones' spot in the backrow, while Thomas Cant drops to 18th man.
Tyson Gamble has made a surprise return from injury to take a spot on the bench ahead of Will Pryce.
Kai Pearce-Paul lurks in the reserves and could be a late addition as he seeks to come back from a leg laceration.
Dolphins confirmed team:
1. Tai Fuller
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Jake Averillo
7. Sean O'Sullivan
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Max Plath
10. Tevita Pangai Junior
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Kenny Bromwich
14. Jeremy Marshall-King
15. Ray Stone
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Kodi Nikorima
18. Lachlan Hubner
19. Isaiya Katoa
20. Oryn Keeley
21. Kurt Donoghoe
22. Tesi Niu
Dolphins team news:
Wayne Bennett made a host of changes last week and they worked with the Dolphins putting the Broncos to the sword.
Although with Kodi Nikorima and Jesse Bromwich back on deck after missing last week due to concussion protocols, changes have been made.
Bromwich will partner Tevita Pangai Junior in the front row, while Nikorima's inclusion on the bench has pushed Isaiya Katoa out of the 17.
Felise Kaufusi is facing a ban for a high shot, so could be replaced on an edge by Oryn Keeley if he is unsuccessful at the judiciary.
NRL ROUND 27 TEAM LISTS, SCORES
Brisbane Broncos 12-50 Melbourne Storm
Thursday, September 5 at Suncorp Stadium (7.50pm AEST)
Brisbane confirmed team:
1. Tristan Sailor
2. Corey Oates
3. Selwyn Cobbo
4. Deine Mariner
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Josh Rogers
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Billy Walters
10. Fletcher Baker
11. Jaiyden Hunt
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Blake Mozer
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Ben Te Kura
17. Martin Taupau
18. Josiah Karapani
Broncos team news:
With Brisbane's finals chances over, Payne Haas has been put on ice.
Reece Walsh will also not feature, despite initially being included in the extended squad.
Kotoni Staggs suffered a quad injury during last week's loss to the Dolphins and has been replaced in the centres by the returning Deine Mariner.
Josiah Karapani also drops out of the backline with veteran Corey Oates handed a start, in what could be his last game for the club.
Fletcher Baker will start up front in Haas' absence, while Kobe Hetherington will return from a head knock to replace the suspended Xavier Willison.
Brendan Piakura sustained a foot injury in Round 26 and won't play, with Jaiyden Hunt drafted in as his replacement in the backrow.
Melbourne confirmed team:
1. Sualauvi Faalogo
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
22. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Alec MacDonald
20. Lazarus Vaalepu
5. Grant Anderson
Storm team news:
Craig Bellamy will welcome back a host of stars after they were rested last week during their loss to the Cowboys.
Although, it's not all good news with Ryan Papenhuyzen suffering yet another injury during the game.
Sua Fa'alogo has been handed the No.1 jersey in his absence.
Dean Ieremia, Marion Seve and Young Tonumaipea all drop out of the backline.
Xavier Coates is a late addition after the star winger was included in the extended squad, pushing Grant Anderson to 18th man.
Jahrome Hughes is back at halfback to partner Cameron Munster and skipper Harry Grant also returns.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Josh King return to the front row with Tui Kamikamica and Lazarus Vaalepu named on the bench after the latter came in to replace the injured Christian Welch.
Shawn Blore, Eli Katoa and Trent Loiero have all been named with Joe Chan and Kane Bradley dropping out and Alec MacDonald going to the bench.
Keagan Russell-Smith, Tepai Moeroa, Ativalu Lisati and Tristan Powell drop out of the 17.