NRL 2024: Nathan Cleary headlines long list of returning stars as clubs scramble to cover growing casualty ward

Some of the biggest names in the game are back for round eight, but it’s a different story for other clubs with several stars facing lengthy stints on the sidelines as the competition starts to heat up.

The Knights have turned to David Armstrong who will make his debut at fullback after the club confirmed Dally M winner Kalyn Ponga will be out for months with a lisfranc injury to his right foot.

It’s a major blow for a team that has struggled to score points this season, although coach Adam O’Brien has stayed loyal to halves Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings for the game against the Dolphins where Dane Gagai returns for the trip north.

The Raiders have also been forced into a major change with halfback Jamal Fogarty sidelined with a biceps injury that will keep him out for 12-14 weeks, leaving Canberra without one of the best kickers in the NRL.

Kaeo Weekes will make his club debut at halfback against a Sharks side that is without five-eighth Braydon Trindall (stood down), with his spot taken by Daniel Atkinson.

It’s not all bad news with rep star Nathan Cleary back on deck for Penrith after missing a few weeks with a hamstring injury, while Taylan May has been named after he was ruled out of the win in Bathurst due to personal reasons.

They travel to Townsville to take on a Cowboys side that has one massive change with Jason Taumalolo demoted to the bench after getting limited minutes last week, with Griffin Neame to start.

There are mass changes at the Broncos with Ezra Mam (finger) and Selwyn Cobbo (shoulder) ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Wests Tigers.

“Ezra and Selwyn have had scans which showed injuries that will benefit from missing this week’s game. We expect both of them to be back next week,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said.

There is far better news for Brisbane with quartet Adam Reynolds (hamstring), Payne Haas (knee), Brendan Piakura (ankle) and Deine Mariner (back) all cleared to return.

The Roosters have received a double boost with Sam Walker (concussion) and Dom Young (suspension) back on deck for the traditional Anzac Day clash against the Dragons who have again named Dally M leader Zac Lomax at right centre.

South Sydney speedster Damien Cook has been recalled and will start for South Sydney against the Storm on Thursday, with Peter Mamouzelos shifting back to the bench alongside the returning Jai Arrow who has been out since round one with a shoulder injury.

And Eels coach Brad Arthur has named rookie Ethan Sanders at five-eighth for their game against Manly as they look to bounce back from their second-half horror show in Darwin.

Veteran winger Maika Sivo has also been recalled, while the Sea Eagles welcome back Nathan Brown and Josh Aloiai.