Jarome Hughes has insisted Melbourne's late-season push won't be dented by his shoulder injury, as the Storm welcomed back half of their spine for the run home.
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See subscription optionsOn a big day of NRL team announcements, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy named Tyran Wishart as Hughes' replacement in the No.7 jersey.
But crucially, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster will also return against Parramatta on Thursday night in a boost to the Storm's top-two push.
Elsewhere Michael Maguire pulled the trigger and recalled departing Brisbane star Selwyn Cobbo, while axing both his wingers after the loss to the Eels.
Hugo Savala is back for the Sydney Roosters and Kodi Nikorima for the Dolphins, while the Warriors have lost James Fisher-Harris and Chanel Harris-Tavita to injury.
But all eyes remain on Melbourne's No.7 jersey, after Hughes' shoulder dislocated against the Roosters last week and ruled him out until the NRL's finals.
Wishart will take on his role after having spent large parts of last season filling in at five-eighth, while fellow playmaker Jonah Pezet has been named on the bench.
Papenhuyzen is back after his four-week layoff with a calf injury, with Hughes not interested in claims Melbourne's title hopes have taken a hit with his injury.
"That's their opinion. I think we've got a solid team without me," Hughes said.
"And I know the boys, they showed on the weekend what they could do. We even had a couple of others that weren't out there as well.
"I know the ability we do have as a footy team to push for the finals, that's with or without me, so I'm confident either way."
Meanwhile the Warriors confirmed they expect to be without Fisher-Harris for two matches with a calf injury.
Demetric Vaimauga will start in the front row against the Dolphins in his spot, while Te Maire Martin will play five-eighth in place of Harris Tavita (calf).
Beyond Nikorima's return in the halves, the Dolphins will also have veteran forwards Felise Kaufusi (knee) and Mark Nicholls (concussion) back for the Auckland clash.
At Brisbane, Cobbo's return comes after Maguire dropped both Jesse Arthars and Josiah Karapani. Deine Mariner also comes in to face South Sydney.
Cobbo has played only one game since the end of May, in which time he confirmed a move to the Dolphins.
The Rabbitohs will have Jamie Humphreys back from concussion for the match, with Lewis Dodd dropped out of the 17 and named on an extended bench ahead of Jack Wighton's judiciary hearing.
Canterbury have moved Jacob Kiraz to fullback in place of Connor Tracey, with the regular No.1 facing up to four weeks out with an abdominal injury.
They face a Wests Tigers team that has Jahream Bula returning at fullback, allowing Sunia Turuva to return to the wing.
Cronulla will have Siosifa Talakai (illness) and Briton Nikora (concussion) back against a North Queensland side that has Jake Clifford returning at five-eighth.
Australian Associated Press
