20/05/2008 7:56:52 PM
Manly veteran Steve Menzies has been named at five-eighth for Friday night's visit to Brookvale Oval by the suddenly rejuvenated Dragons.
Menzies, into what could be his final year after 16 seasons in the NRL, has floated between pivot and the back-row throughout 2008, with Luke Williamson and Jamie Lyon also spending time at No. 6.
The Sea Eagles are hopeful Brett Stewart will survive Origin and line-up at full-back.
St George Illawarra, coming off a big win over a depleted Melbourne, is due to welcome back rep trio Mark Gasnier, Ben Hornby and Matt Cooper.
South Sydney coach Jason Taylor has resisted making wholesale changes to his team after Monday's night's dreadful loss to Canberra.
He has retained the same 17 for Saturday night's clash with a full-strength Storm outfit at Bluetongue Stadium.
"It's certainly tough times and there's a lot of disappointment around the place after (Monday night's) performance," Taylor said.
"It's going to be a tough game against Melbourne and we really need to step it up."
The Warriors welcome back Michael Witt, Brent Tate and Aidan Kirk for Sunday's meeting with the Roosters in Auckland.
Preston Campbell and Mat Rogers return for Gold Coast against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, while Mathew Head will play half-back for the hosts with John Morris relegated to the bench.
And the reoccurrence of a troublesome back injury will again sideline Bulldogs No.1 Luke Patten for Monday night's clash with the Sharks at ANZ Stadium.
Cameron Phelps switches from centre to full-back, while the Dogs welcome the return of Hazem El Masri, Darryl Millard and Ben Roberts.
Prop Ben Ross has been named on an extended Cronulla bench after serving a seven-match ban.
The Sharks also get back NSW Paul Gallen and Greg Bird, provided they escape Origin I unscathed.