BRISBANE will welcome one Origin player back tonight against Wests Tigers, with PJ Marsh to return after overcoming a biceps problem, taking Andrew McCullough's bench position.

Tigers front-rower Bryce Gibbs (knee) travelled with his squad to Brisbane yesterday, and remains a chance of playing.

Penrith may blood 17-year-old schoolboy Wade Graham (see below) against St George Illawarra if, as expected, centre Michael Jennings succumbs to an ankle injury. Graham is on standby, with Maurice Blair tipped to switch to the centres in Jennings's place, allowing the Toyota Cup star to slot in alongside Luke Lewis in the halves. Front-rower Tony Puletua, not named in the squad, remains an unlikely starter (rib damage). The Dragons are expected to be 1-17, meaning Kirk Reynoldson, Jon Green and Jarrod Saffy will drop off the seven-man bench.

Bulldogs prop Jarrad Hickey has been cleared to make his return against Canberra tomorrow, although officials maintain Sonny Bill Williams and fullback Luke Patten are no chance of doing the same. Canberra centre Joel Monaghan will have a fitness test today on an abdominal strain, with Brett Kelly on standby.

The Cowboys may be without halfback Johnathan Thurston for their clash with Melbourne tomorrow night. The Queensland representative has the flu and is rated only a "50-50" chance. Thurston failed to train yesterday, and may not fly to Melbourne today, although coach Ian Millward said he may still be called on to travel on the day of the game. Toyota Cup player Sam Bowie is on standby. Five-eighth Chris Sheppard has already been ruled out with a leg injury. John Williams will start in his place, resulting in a backline reshuffle. Prop/second-rower Greg Burns has also been drafted into the squad, with Dayne Weston dropped. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will make a decision on his bench today.

Manly coach Des Hasler is still undecided about the make-up of his bench to face the Warriors on Sunday. The Sea Eagles are likely to leave today with the 19 players chosen. The Warriors are expected to be as named.

Newcastle have five players in doubt but are hopeful all will play against the Roosters. Prop Ben Cross (thumb) will see a specialist today and remains a strong chance of playing pre-Origin selection. A decision is likely to be made today on whether bench player Dan Tolar (rib cartilage) plays. Cooper Vuna (calf), Adam MacDougall (calf) and Chris Houston (knee) will have fitness tests, although they are not expected to be forced out. The Roosters are expected to be 1-17.

Sharks coach Ricky Stuart is undecided on the make-up of his bench to play Parramatta on Sunday. Eels coach Michael Hagan said Mark Riddell (back) would likely play, adding Junior Paulo would probably drop off the Parramatta bench.

Souths coach Jason Taylor insisted halfback Craig Wing would not return against Gold Coast following his round-one shoulder injury. The Titans will travel to Sydney with 18, after Luke Swain dropped off the bench.