South Sydney skipper Sam Burgess is back from a quad injury to face the Warriors on Friday night as the Rabbitohs attempt to lock in a top four NRL finals berth.

Burgess and winger Alex Johnston (hamstring) are in the starting line-up for the trip to Auckland as Souths rejig their backline to cover for the suspended James Roberts, with Dane Gagai and Campbell Graham the new centre pairing.

Second-rower Kyle Turner (hamstring) also returns on the bench alongside Ethan Lowe, who is back from suspension.

Melbourne halfback Brodie Croft remains on the outer, with coach Craig Bellamy opting for Jahrome Hughes at No.7 for their clash with Manly at Brookvale on Saturday afternoon.

Ryan Papenhuyzen will again start at fullback while veteran Will Chambers makes a surprise return after it was feared he would be sidelined until the finals with an ankle injury.

Sea Eagles second rower Joel Thompson, who is out with a broken arm, has been replaced by Curtis Sironen, who returns from a hamstring injury.

While Anthony Seibold has named an unchanged Brisbane side for their must-win match at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, Parramatta centre Blake Ferguson is back for his first game since injuring his knee in round 17.

Marata Niukore comes into the starting side for suspended lock Nathan Brown.

Gun centre Latrell Mitchell has overcome a calf injury to take his place in the Sydney Roosters line-up to face Penrith at the SCG on Saturday night while skipper Boyd Cordner has been named among the reserves as he recovers from his own calf issue.

Needing to beat the premiers to keep their finals hopes alive, the Panthers have named Moses Leota to start at prop with James Fisher-Harris is at lock.

Backrower Billy Burns is set to make his NRL debut after being named on the bench.