Josh Addo-Carr returns while Bradman Best's season "isn't gone just yet": Sweep of changes as teams drop for round 22
Bulldogs wing Josh Addo-Carr will return from an extended patch on the sidelines, while Knights coach Adam O'Brien has eased concerns surrounding Bradman Best among a list of in-and-outs for Indigenous stars across the NRL ahead of Round 22.
Addo-Carr has been named in the Dogs' side to face Canberra on Sunday for his first appearance since May 31.
The 29-year-old suffered a high-grade hamstring injury in his club's 32-2 round 13 win over Newcastle.
Canterbury pencilled up to 10 weeks before his return, but will welcome back the NSW Origin and Kangaroos representative into their side alongside skipper Stephen Crighton as they look to make it four wins from their previous five games and strengthen their run into finals.
Canterbury currently sit fifth on the ladder.
Sharks playmaker Will Kennedy is set to return from a one-week suspension, with Tyrell Sloane back in the no.1 jumper for the Dragons while Reuben Cotter will miss the Cowboys' meeting with the Tigers after undergoing a HIA for a head knock at the weekend.
Souths have confirmed Alex Johnston's 2024 season is over after he ruptured his achilles in round 21, while Latrell Mitchell is still weeks away with a foot injury.
Johnstone is due for surgery this week.
Shaquai Mitchell has been named as a reserve after returning from a calf injury for the Bunnies in the NSW Cup last weekend.
Tyrone Munro is also said to be made available in the coming weeks from his broken collarbone.
At Newcastle, a timeframe hasn't been set on when they'll welcome back Bradman Best after the Blues hero suffered a fresh hamstring setback against the Broncos in round 20.
Knights coach Adam O'Brien said his star centre is back at the club after having a few days off last week to "get over the disappointment" and provided a strong piece of optimism for fans.
"The thing that we do have on our side is he's a pretty good healer. He's always beaten the timeframe by a considerable amount. We'll have to wait and see where he gets to," O'Brien said.
"His season isn't gone just yet. I wouldn't rule him out of anything."
Indigenous All Star Adam Elliott is hoping, with some luck, he's "right to go for the rest of the season" after resting up since inflaming an already existing calf niggle against Manly in round 19.
Elliott didn't feature against the Broncos the following week before Newcastle sat our with the bye last weekend.
Ahead of facing a second-placed Panthers chasing their fourth premiership in as many years, the 29-year-old said his side will look to turn fading performances into 80 min efforts against the competition benchmark.
"We're all fresh mentally and physically. The boys have been putting in some real good work, put in a bit of work at the start of last week as well before we had the break," Elliott said.
"We should be humming come Sunday. I think it's a really good test for us, particularly this time of the season."
