Manly will give Tom Trbojevic every chance to face Canberra with the club adamant he has not suffered further damage to his cheekbone.
After one of the most convoluted injury sagas of the season, the Sea Eagles on Tuesday named Tom Trbojevic at No.1 for Friday night’s clash with the Raiders.
They also released an injury update claiming their only issue was some minor swelling and he was fine for the run to the finals as there was no fracture.
His fitness is arguably the most important of any player in the competition given Manly’s horror record without him and the fact they are 33.7 points better off per game with him in the team this year.
“He’s had a knock to an old injury. The only concern is a bit of swelling but he’s not in too much pain,” head physio James Rahme said.
“From a medical point of view we’re not really concerned about the injury itself.
“We’re just assessing the swelling and hopefully he’s comfortable as the week progresses to join training and then be fine to play.”
But the Sea Eagles will be without Brad Parker following his concussion after a high shot from Ryan Matterson.
Their opponents, the Raiders, welcome back their star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who has been named to return from a lengthy neck injury on the bench.
Meanwhile fellow superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will start in the No.1 jersey for Melbourne for the first time since copping a high hit in Magic Round.
The Storm have ruled halfback Jahrome Hughes out of the game against Gold Coast after he was also the victim of a high shot, moving Nicho Hynes to No.7.
Dale Finucane is also out, while Harry Grant will also start at hooker for Melbourne for the first time in his career with Brandon Smith rested.
The Titans will also be without AJ Brimson, after scans picked up a hairline fracture in his jaw, while Jamal Fogarty has been recalled at halfback for Toby Sexton.
Parramatta have dropped Tom Opacic and Michael Oldfield after their thumping from Manly, with their edge defence a sudden issue after four straight losses.
Youngsters Will Penisini and Haze Dunster have both been called in by under-fire coach Brad Arthur, while Marata Niukore replaces the suspended Ryan Matterson in the second row.
North Queensland could also have Jason Taumalolo back from a fractured hand for the clash with the Eels, with the superstar forward named on an extended bench.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is also back for the Sydney Roosters for their date with St George Illawarra, allowing Isaac Liu to move to lock for the suspended Victor Radley.
The Dragons have had to pick Josh McGuire at hooker with Andrew McCullough out for the rest of the season, while Matt Dufty has been recalled at fullback.
And both Penrith and South Sydney could be at full strength for their bumper clash with Api Koroisau, James FIsher-Harris, Tevita Pangai, Alex Johnston, Dane Gagai and Campbell Graham all named in extended squads.
AAP
