Manly coach Anthony Seibold is expected to swing the axe after a disappointing loss in Round 15 with a host of players being dropped and a positional switch for Tom Trbojevic all but locked in.

Michael Maguire is facing a selection headache of the good kind with veteran playmaker Ben Hunt due back from a hamstring injury, while all eyes will be on Lachlan Galvin and how he fits into the Bulldogs’ 17 with Matt Burton back from Origin duties.

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Star five-eighths Dylan Brown and Cody Walker are scheduled to return, while the Dolphins, Knights and Warriors will need to replace key players.

Meanwhile, it seems Tigers coach Benji Marshall may have found his long-term halves pairing — but a legend of the game believes a positional switch involving Jarome Luai is key to unlocking their best footy.

Read on for all the team news ahead of Round 17.

THURSDAY

Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 7.50pm AEST at CommBank Stadium

Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Trent Toelau 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 19. Jack Cole

Team Tips: After being rested last week, Origin stars Brian To’o, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin will return to the side. They’ll be straight swaps for Paul Alamoti, Daine Laurie, Matt Eisenhuth. Martin’s return is timely given Scott Sorensen is facing a two-game suspension for a hip-drop tackle. Nathan Cleary, however, is no certainty to play given he is nursing a groin niggle. If he’s rested, Brad Schneider will retain the No.7 jersey.

Round 15 Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward 14. Jake Turpin 15. Harry Hayes 17. Kurtis Morrin 19. Blake Taaffe

Team Tips: Fresh off a bye, the Bulldogs will welcome back their Origin quartet in Stephen Crichton, Max King, Matt Burton and Kurt Mann. Crichton will step back in at centre with Jacob Kiraz pushing out to the wing and Blake Wilson dropping out of the 17. King will start at prop with Daniel Suluka-Fifita shifting to the bench and Kurtis Morrin likely to drop out. Mann will be named at lock with Bailey Hayward moving to the bench and Jake Turpin dropping out of the 17. And Matt Burton will return at five-eighth, so all eyes will be on Lachlan Galvin and how coach Cameron Ciraldo chooses to use him.

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FRIDAY

Manly Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers, 6pm AEST at 4 Pines Park

Round 15 Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Corey Waddell 17. Nathan Brown

Team Tips: Mass changes are expected following Manly’s 20-point loss to the Titans in Round 15 with the biggest at fullback. Lehi Hopoate is set to take over the No.1 jersey with Tom Trbojevic shifting to the centres. Expect to see Reuben Garrick move to the wing with Jason Saab dropped from the 17. According to reports Lachlan Croker will also be dropped with Jake Simpkin to the likely man to take over at hooker. Star second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu is sidelined with a shoulder injury, which could see Corey Waddell start on an edge and Tof Sipley join the bench.

Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Heath Mason 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 15. Sione Fainu 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 10. Fonua Pole 14. Tallyn Da Silva 16. Latu Fainu 17. Jack Bird

Team Tips: The Tigers got through their clash with the Raiders unscathed but there still could be some changes — particularly in the halves. Latu Fainu took over at five-eighth from Heath Mason in the second game and ignited the Tigers’ attack so is expected to be named to start this week. Fainu was so impressive that rugby leagu Immortal Andrew Johns believes he should be steering the ship instead of marquee signing Jarome Luai. “I think he is a seven, I’d have him in the seven. He looks like he’s an on-ball halfback which frees up Jarome,” Johns said on Channel 9. Bench hooker Tallyn Da Silva didn’t get on the field last week and could be axed from the 17 amid reports he’s been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs for an immediate move.

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders, 8pm AEST at McDonald Jones Stadium

Last week’s Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 18. James Schiller 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Mathew Croker 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Brodie Jones 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Elijah Leaumoana

Team Tips: The Knights’ halves will get a shake-up after Fletcher Sharpe suffered a lacerated kidney and will miss up to six weeks. Tyson Gamble or Jackson Hastings will slot in at five-eighth to replace him. Greg Marzhew was a late scratching due to a neck issue but is expected to be named — however James Schiller will be on standby in the reserves.

Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jed Stuart 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota

Team Tips: Jed Stuart — son of coach, Ricky — was solid on debut so is expected to retain his spot on the wing in what should be an unchanged 17. Hudson Young will be monitored though with the star second-rower managing an osteitis pubis issue.

SATURDAY

Brisbane Broncos vs New Zealand Warriors, 3pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium

Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Xavier Willison 17. Jack Gosiewski

Team Tips: Ben Hunt is due back from a hamstring injury but it remains to be seen where the veteran playmaker slots in. He had been playing five-eighth prior to the injury but Ezra Mam has been impressive since stepping in. That means Hunt will likely start at hooker or play a utility role off the bench. After backing up from Origin, Payne Haas picked up a back niggle in last week’s win over the Sharks. The star prop was able to finish out the game though after receiving some treatment on it so should be right to go for this blockbuster clash. Reece Walsh looked to be carrying a minor knee issue, however coach Michael Maguire assured the media his star fullback is fine.

Last week’s Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Moala Graham-Taufa 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Marata Niukore 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

Team Tips: The Warriors will be without Marate Niukore (concussion) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (ankle), but do welcome back Kurt Capewell from Origin duties. Capewell could slot into the second row with Jacob Laban making way, or he may jump into the centres with Moala Graham-Taufa to drop out. However, Rocco Berry is also due back from a hamstring injury so he is more likely to go into the centres. Taine Tuapiki or Ed Kosi will be in the mix to replace Watene-Zelezniak, while Bunty Afoa should join the pack.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels, 5.30pm AEST at WIN Stadium

Round 15 Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Nathan Lawson 3. Moses Suli 21. Nicholas Tsougranis 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Toby Couchman 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 17. Hame Sele

Team Tips: There’s been calls for Dragons coach Shane Flanagan to shake-up his halves, but he is expected to stick solid with Lyhkan King-Togia and Kyle Flanagan — despite the impressive form of Jonah Glover and Lachlan Ilias in NSW Cup. Jaydn Su’A is scheduled to return from an ankle injury and is could push Toby Couchman to prop and Emre Guler back to the bench. Meanwhile, Valentine Holmes will return from Origin duties and will take his place in the centres with debutant Nick Tsougranis dropping out.

Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Joash Papali’i 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Jack Williams 18. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 14. Dylan Walker 15. Matt Doorey 19. Charlie Guymer 17. Jordan Samrani

Team Tips: Dylan Brown will return from suspension at five-eighth with Joash Papalii to drop back to the bench or out of the 17 completely. The Eels have however copped a double blow with Will Penisini and Ryley Smith facing a three-week and two-week ban respectively for dangerous throws. Expect to see Jordan Samrani join the backline for Penisini and Joey Lussick start at hooker once again with Brendan Hands potentially taking Smith’s spot on the bench.

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.50pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium

Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 16. Ray Stone 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Mark Nicholls 14. Harrison Graham 15. Connelly Lemuelu 20. Aublix Tawha

Team Tips: The Dolphins have copped a major blow with Jack Bostock suffering a suspected ACL rupture in a devastating blow for the boom winger. Junior Tupou and Max Feagai will come into the mix to replace him on the flank.

Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 4. Isaiah Tass 11. Euan Aitken 5. Tyrone Munro 3. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 10. Davvy Moale 9. Siliva Havili 19. Keaon Koloamatangi 8. Jai Arrow 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Ryan Gray 15. Sean Keppie 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola.

Team Tips: Cody Walker is eyeing a return from a groin issue and should he be cleared he’ll slot straight back into the halves. That would allow Jack Wighton to move back to the centres and Euan Aitken to play in the second row. Campbell Graham is scheduled to return from a back injury, which would either push Isaiah Tass out of the 17 — or shift him to the wing with Tyrone Munro to drop out.

SUNDAY

Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks, 2pm AEST at AAMI Park

Last week’s Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 16. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 19. Alec MacDonald. 18th man: 17. Bronson Garlick

Team Tips: Origin stars Stefano Utoikamanu and Trent Loiero were used off the bench last week due to their Origin workload, but will likely switch back with Tui Kamikamica and Nelson Asofa-Solomona this week. Alec MacDonald was a late inclusion on the bench last week with Bronson Garlick shifting to 18th man, but the pair could swap back this week. Will Warbrick is bidding to return from concussion with Grant Anderson likely to make way when he returns.

Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 19. Hohepa Puru 18th man: 18. Billy Burns

Team Tips: Oregon Kaufusiwas a late scratching last week due to a hamstring injury with Braden Hamlin-Uele starting and Hohepa Puru joining the bench. Kaufusi would come back in at prop with Hamlin-Uele switching to the bench and Puru to the reserves if he is deemed fit to take on the Storm. Ronaldo Mulitalo has escaped with a fine for his grade one dangerous contact charge against the Broncos. Thomas Hazelton’s return date from a sternum injury remains uncertain, while Samuel Stonestreet (ankle) and Mawene Hiroti (calf) remain sidelined for another few weeks.

Gold Coast Titans vs North Queensland Cowboys, 4.05pm AEST at Cbus Super Stadium

Last week’s Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Phillip Sami 5. Allan Fitzgibbon 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 16. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 17. Moeaki Fotuaika 21. Tom Weaver

Team Tips: Jayden Campbell is likely to be stood down for 11 days following a category one concussion with Des Hasler confirming Tom Weaver as his likely replacement at halfback. Jaylen de Groot is also due back from a hamstring injury and could come into the side at fullback if AJ Brimson switches to the halves for Campbell. Origin stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika are likely to start after being used off the bench last week due to their representative workload, with Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Jaimin Jolliffe likely to switch to the pine. David Fifita is due back from an ankle injury and is likely to be played given how dire the Titans’ season is, despite links to a move away from the club.

Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 22. Braidon Burns 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 19. Karl Lawton 16. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 20. Kai O’Donnell 15. Sam McIntyre 10. Coen Hess 12. Jeremiah Nanai 14. Harrison Edwards 23. Thomas Duffy. 18th man: 17. Thomas Mikaele

Team Tips: Todd Payten said Origin stars Reece Robson and Reuben Cotter could have played last week, but were rested and will come back into the team, with Kai O’Donnell and Karl Lawton making way. Lawton is set to be suspended anyway over a cannon-ball tackle. Jeremiah Nanai will likely start after coming off the bench against the Eels. Jake Clifford could be in contention to come back into the halves with he team struggling since Jaxson Purdue came into the five-eighth role. Purdue could switch back to the centres where he has excelled. Viliami Vailea was a late scratching last week due to an ankle niggle with Braidon Burns coming into the centres and the pair could swap back this week. Thomas Mikaele was shifted to 18th man last week, with Thomas Duffy joining the bench, but the pair will likely switch back this week. Jason Taumalolo is bidding to return from a calf injury, but his return date remains unknown.

Bye: Sydney Roosters