The Eels, who dropped to seventh after last Friday’s loss to South Sydney, need to down the Dogs to keep their top-four hopes alive and also ensure they will make the finals.
Eels coach Brad Arthur said on NRL 360 on Monday night that Moses would be named in the line-up and would play if he gets through this week’s training sessions without any setbacks. His son Jake Arthur will make way for Moses.
With finals berths on the line, coaches are set to roll the dice with several players.
Canberra prop Joseph Tapine is likely to be back on deck on Sunday against Newcastle after missing the win over the Dragons due to a rib complaint.
Knights outside backs Bradman Best and Enari Tuala have been dropped this weekend for missing the team bus last weekend before the clash with Brisbane.
(Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Penrith second-rower Liam Martin could line up as soon as Thursday night against Souths after scans cleared him of a serious ankle injury while fullback Dylan Edwards (shoulder) is also pushing to play.
Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell had a training mishap on Monday when he felt a muscle twinge in his groin but posted on Instagram to say he was fine. Centre Campbell Graham is set to make a return from a cheekbone fracture while halfback Lachlan Ilias (hamstring) is also expected to suit up.
Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes is hopeful of making the trip to Brisbane on Friday night for their crucial clash with the Broncos but the club medicos are wary of risking his injured shoulder.
Teams will be officially announced at 4pm AEST.
Round 23 Team Lists
Thursday
Rabbitohs vs Panthers, 7.50pm at Accor Stadium
Rabbitohs: Team to be announced at 4pm
Latrell Mitchell had a training mishap on Monday when he felt a muscle twinge in his groin but posted on Instagram to say he was fine. Centre Campbell Graham is set to make a return from a cheekbone fracture while halfback Lachlan Ilias (hamstring) is also expected to suit up.
Panthers: Team to be announced at 4pm
NSW second-rower Liam Martin could line up as soon as Thursday night after scans cleared him of a serious ankle injury. Dylan Edwards, who missed the 16-0 loss to the Storm with a sternum injury, has a chance of returning for the game after training at fullback on Sunday. Winger Taylan May is likely to need at least another week to recover from a shoulder injury but is no longer wearing a sling.
Friday
Cowboys v Warriors, 6pm at QCB Stadium
Cowboys: Team to be announced at 4pm AEST
The likely return of Kyle Feldt from a hamstring injury could mean Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow reverts to the bench utility role.
Warriors: Team to be announced at 4pm
Chanel Harris-Tavita, Aaron Pene and Jesse Arthars are pushing to make returns from injury.
Broncos v Storm, 7.55pm at Suncorp Stadium
Broncos: Team to be announced at 4pm AEST
Kevin Walters is expected to stick with the same 17 that beat Newcastle with centre Brenko Lee (hamstring) unlikely to be fit.
Storm: Team to be announced at 4pm
Felise Kaufusi is due to return after taking last week off due to the death of his father while Jahrome Hughes is hopeful of overcoming his shoulder injury but the club may give him another week out.
Saturday
Eels v Bulldogs, 3pm at CommBank Stadium
Eels: Team to be announced at 4pm AEST
Coach Brad Arthur said on NRL 360 on Monday night that star half Mitchell Moses was trying to make an early comeback from a broken finger for Saturday’s clash with Canterbury.
Bulldogs: Team to be announced at 4pm
Tevita Pangai jnr, who missed the loss to the Warriors due to personal reasons, will come back into the pack at lock.
Sea Eagles v Sharks, 5.30pm at 4 Pines Park
Sea Eagles: Team to be announced at 4pm AEST
Jason Saab’s season is over after suffering a serious knee injury against the Gold Coast while prop Sean Keppie (shoulder) is a chance to play.
Sharks: Team to be announced at 4pm
Toby Rudolf is set to be out until the first week of the finals after suffering an MCL tear against Wests Tigers in Tamworth on Saturday evening. Matt Moylan (thigh), Connor Tracey (concussion) and Siosifa Talakai (shoulder) are due to be back on deck this weekend at the expense of Braydon Trindall, Matt Ikuvalu and Lachie Miller.
Roosters v Tigers, 7.35pm at SCG
Roosters: Team to be announced at 4pm AEST
Front-rowers Siosiua Taukeiaho (cheekbone) and Lindsay Collins (concussion) are close to making returns for the red-hot Roosters.
Tigers: Team to be announced at 4pm
Interim coach Brett Kimmorley has few options to turn around the team’s fortunes – Luke Brooks is a slight chance of returning from a calf tear.
Sunday
Dragons v Titans, 2pm at WIN Stadium
Dragons: Team to be announced at 4pm AEST
With their finals hopes over, the Dragons could give Jayden Sullivan another chance at NRL level after he has overcome a shoulder problem.
Titans: Team to be announced at 4pm
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui missed the win over Manly due to the birth of his second child and will boost the Gold Coast pack, regaining the captaincy from AJ Brimson.
Knights v Raiders, 4.05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights: Team to be announced at 4pm AEST
Veteran prop David Klemmer (knee) is set to return after a two-week absence.
Raiders: Team to be announced at 4pm
In-form prop Joseph Tapine is likely to be back on deck after missing the win over the Dragons due to a rib complaint.