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George Clarke

Papenhuyzen nears Storm NRL return

Ryan Papenhuyzen is close to returning for Melbourne and is in the Storm's extended squad. (AAP)

Ryan Papenhuyzen is nearing a return for the Melbourne Storm after he was named in their extended squad for Friday's clash with Brisbane.

The fullback has been missing since round nine with a hamstring issue and the Storm will make a call on his fitness nearer to game day.

A good performance against the Broncos could force him into Brad Fittler's thinking given Papenhuyzen was considered a strong chance to debut for NSW this year before going down injured.

The Broncos, meanwhile, will replace Adam Reynolds (ribs) with veteran playmaker Tyrone Roberts, but are expected to have Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas (shoulder) all available after they featured in Origin I.

Manly and Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans (quad) is fit to play against North Queensland in Friday's other game, with Maroons debutant Jeremiah Nanai returning for the Cowboys at Brookvale Oval.

The Cowboys have not included Luciano Leilua in their squad despite his switch from Wests Tigers on Tuesday afternoon.

Cronulla will check on Dale Finucane after they included the lock in their extended squad which faces the Gold Coast in Coffs Harbour on Saturday.

The Titans have dropped Esan Marsters with AJ Brimson returning at fullback and pushing Jamayne Isaako onto the wing.

The Warriors will hand rookie half Ronald Volkman his NRL debut when they take on a Penrith side boosted by the return of captain Isaah Yeo at Redcliffe on Saturday.

Parramatta have not made any changes to the side that was humiliated by Canterbury on Monday as they host the Sydney Roosters. The Chooks have dropped Paul Momirovski while Luke Keary is cleared to play despite copping a head knock in their loss to Melbourne.

It's a similar story for Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga, who the Knights say should recover from a concussion for Sunday's trip to Canberra.

The Raiders welcome back Jordan Rapana from suspension, with Sunday's final game pitting Canterbury against Wests Tigers for the second time in the space of a month.

Bulldogs interim coach Mick Potter will blood highly rated junior Kurtis Morrin against the Tigers, who have named Adam Doueihi on the bench.

Doueihi has not played since an ACL injury last season.

In the opening game of the round, St George Illawarra welcome back Mikaele Ravalawa for Thursday's visit of South Sydney.

There is no Latrell Mitchell for the Bunnies after he contracted COVID-19 last week on his return from a rehabilitation trip to the USA.

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