Cameron Murray's push for a NSW State of Origin jersey is back on track after he was named as a chance to play for South Sydney against Wests Tigers.
Injured a fortnight ago, Murray was expected to miss the opening match of Origin after requiring shoulder surgery that was expected to rule him out for four weeks.
But he is now every chance to play in the final round before teams are named, with a call on his fitness to be made later this week by Rabbitohs officials.
His naming comes as a massive boost for the out-of-form Bunnies, who also welcome back club favourite Mark Nicholls on Saturday.
Their comebacks also headline several notable returnees in round 12.
Luke Brooks and fullback Daine Laurie are back in the Tigers side to face Souths, while Jahrome Hughes is a welcome addition in the Melbourne team that comes up against Manly.
Jamal Fogarty is listed to play his first game for Canberra against Parramatta after a pre-season knee injury, while veteran Jarrod Croker also returns.
Xavier Savage is also back in his preferred position at fullback, with regular Raiders No.1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad now ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
The Eels will have winger Waqa Blake at their disposal again, while St George Illawarra get Andrew McCullough back against Canterbury.
Cody Ramsey stays at fullback ahead of Moses Mbye for the Dragons, in a sign he is now the club's first-choice No.1.
Cronulla are also breathing easier with Siosifa Talakai, Wade Graham and Ronaldo Mulitalo all cleared of injuries and named to face the Sydney Roosters.
Will Kennedy is also back from suspension at fullback for the Sharks, with rugby sevens convert Lachlan Miller back at No.18 after his impressive debut.
Jake Clifford is also back after three games out for Newcastle after not being available for selection for personal reasons before returning through reserve grade.
He will face Chanel Harris-Tavita at the Warriors, who returns from a ruptured testicle just days after revealing he would take a break from the game in 2023.
Dunamis Lui is also in line for his first game of the season, named on an extended bench after being signed by the Warriors as cover for the departed Matt Lodge and injured Addin Fonua-Blake.
But the news is not all good across the NRL.
Adam Reynolds' absence will extend to a second week at Brisbane after the star halfback failed to overcome a hamstring injury to face Gold Coast.
The Broncos have a bye in round 13, meaning the former NSW Origin halfback will eventually have three weeks out to recover from the niggling injury.
Manly have also suffered another injury blow for their clash with Melbourne, with prop Martin Taupau ruled out with a quad problem.
Jorge Taufua is, however, back in the NRL for the first time since he suffered an Achilles injury in September 2020, playing on the wing with Reuben Garrick making the fullback switch after Tom Trbojevic's season-ending injury.
Newcastle will be without centre Bradman Best against the Warriors, with the young star set for extended time out with an elbow injury.
Australian Associated Press
