SECOND-ROWER Frank Pritchard has been cleared to play for Penrith in tonight's match against Manly despite his ongoing shoulder problems, and officials admit he will be considered for the rest of this season on a week-to-week basis.

Pritchard is set to have a shoulder reconstruction at the end of this season and is likely to be rested in patches during the run home to the finals. But against the top-of-the-table Sea Eagles, Pritchard will play after training well during the week. Frank Puletua will drop off the bench.

Manly lock Glenn Stewart (knee) trained well this week and is almost certain to play against Penrith tonight despite missing their last-start loss to the Roosters but his back-row partner, Anthony Watmough (knee) is considered no chance of playing. Coach Des Hasler is still to announce who will be left off the six-man bench named.

Both Melbourne and Gold Coast are expected to be as named for their clash tonight.

"Daniel Conn's got a bit of the flu but I think he'll be right," Titans coach John Cartwright said. "I think we'll be pretty well as per [program]."

Melbourne officials are wary that Mat Rogers (ribs) may make a premature return.

Cronulla lock Greg Bird has been cleared to make his long-awaited comeback from a knee injury against St George Illawarra tomorrow night. Coach Ricky Stuart is yet to decide who will drop off his five-man bench.

The Dragons are also expected to be as named, with Simon Woolford on standby for hooker Dean Young, who missed Monday night's win over the Bulldogs due to a virus.

North Queensland coach Ian Millward said halfback Johnathan Thurston would "definitely" not play against the Roosters tomorrow night in Townsville in what will be back-rower Luke O'Donnell's return match from a seven-match ban.

Roosters winger Amos Roberts's corked thigh will continue to be monitored, but he is not considered to be in any doubt to face the Cowboys.

South Sydney and the Warriors are expected to be as named for their clash tomorrow night.

Bulldogs bench forward Brad Morrin has a shoulder injury but coach Steve Folkes remains confident he will play against Wests Tigers on Sunday.

Tigers fullback Brett Hodgson has failed in his bid to return from a calf injury against the Bulldogs. Hodgson has trained this week but has put off a comeback until round 22, at least. Prop Keith Galloway remains troubled by foot problems but is not considered to be in any doubt.

Canberra skipper Alan Tongue is almost certain to play against Brisbane on Sunday despite a knee problem. However, prop Scott Logan is in significant doubt with similar bone bruising. The Broncos are expected to be "1-17".

Newcastle will be hoping the extra few days before their Monday night clash with Parramatta will enable Steve Simpson (ankle) and Jarrod Mullen (hip) to overcome their injuries.