North Queensland won’t confirm their injury-hit Cowboys side for Saturday night’s crunch NRL clash with defending premiers Cronulla until the last minute despite all but confirming two stars will play.

Cowboys coach Paul Green said medical staff were confident playmaker Te Maire Martin (knee) and fullback Lachlan Coote (ankle) would prove their fitness after naming the pair for a match they must win to stay in the top eight hunt.

However, Green said he would not know his final 17 until Coote and Martin complete their first full training session of the week on Friday, barely 24 hours before the Sharks showdown.

Eighth-placed North Queensland have a 12-strong injury list after forward Shaun Fensom (knee), Justin O’Neill (elbow) and Coote became the latest victims in last round’s loss to Penrith.

The Cowboys are still sweating on scan results for O’Neill but he is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Kalyn Ponga has been named on the wing in a reshuffled Cowboys backline.

North Queensland have used 30 players and blooded five rookies this year, prompting reports this week that Green may have to appeal to the NRL for special dispensation to call on second-tier players.

Playmaker Michael Morgan (concussion) is also expected to play after being named Cowboys captain.

Cronulla’s Jayden Brailey (broken jaw) is expected to return from injury after being named on an extended bench.

Meanwhile, Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster will return from an ankle injury against Newcastle on Saturday.

Controversial Gold Coast fullback Jarryd Hayne (ankle) is considered “50-50” for Thursday night’s clash with his ex-Parramatta side which has welcomed back fullback Bevan French (hamstring).

Brisbane have named back-up hooker Ben Hunt for Friday night’s clash with St George Illawarra after he was cleared of an arm injury suffered at training on Tuesday.