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Origin I LIVE from 9pm tonightBroncos big guns back as Sharks lose key playmaker
Joel Gould, AAP • May 26th, 2026 7:07 pm
Payne Haas is back for Brisbane for his first match since the round-seven Wests Tigers clash | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
Brisbane's hopes of making a run towards the top four have received a boost with the return of star prop Payne Haas from a knee injury.
The NSW and Samoa front-rower is back from a grade-three MCL sprain to take on winless St George-Illawarra at home on Sunday after a five-week absence.
The 11th-placed defending premiers have named premiership-winning back-rower Brendan Piakura who missed a month of action, also with a knee injury.
Cronulla have suffered a blow for their traditional rivalry showdown with Manly at Shark Park on Friday night with halfback Nicho Hynes out with a calf injury
The Sharks will debut Niwhai Puru at No. 7, who has been on fire in the NSW Cup.
The Sea Eagles received a huge boost when back-rower Ben Trbojevic was cleared to play after a HIA against Gold Coast was reclassified by the NRL from a category one to a category two.
Ben Trbojevic was cleared to play for Manly after an HIA reclassification | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Penrith have previously not named their State of Origin representatives for a match after Origin on several occasions, but have done so for the top-of-the-table home clash with the Warriors on an extended 24-man bench.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the fact the clash was in Sydney and on a Sunday night was a factor in him listing Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To'o and Casey McLean.
Parramatta can't take a trick with prop Junior Paulo set to miss eight weeks after what the Eels said was "an arthroscopic procedure for his right knee due to chronic injury".
They will also be without ruled-out NSW playmaker Mitchell Moses (hamstring) for the away clash with Newcastle on Saturday.
Fullback Isaiah Iongi (ankle) returns from a nine-week absence so Joash Papalii moves to the halves alongside Ronald Volkman.
Luckless Roosters outside back Billy Smith is back from a knee injury to play on the wing against Melbourne at AAMI Park on Saturday night. Smith replaces regular winger Daniel Tupou (calf).
There is finally light at the end of the injury tunnel for Wests Tigers. Jahream Bula is back at fullback after missing three matches with a shoulder injury.
Captain Api Koroisau (suspension), lock Alex Twal (knee) and centre Heamasi Makasini (foot) also return for Saturday night's home clash with Canterbury at CommBank Stadium.
Jahream Bula is back at fullback for the Tigers after recovering from a shoulder injury | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
North Queensland winger Murray Taulagi has been named to return from a concussion against Canberra away on Sunday in another boost to the red-hot Cowboys.
Origin players have been named by their respective clubs but their participation in the matches will largely depend on how Wednesday night's showdown unfolds.
Clubs that have players in Origin can initially name more players on their bench, with the number dependant on how many they provide.
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