South Sydney will keep Latrell Mitchell on ice for another week as Cody Walker pushes to return from a quad strain that ruled him out of a last-minute NSW Origin audition.
Mitchell's recovery from an ongoing calf issue that has ruled him out of both Origin games continues this week as Luke Keary is a surprise, much-needed inclusion for the Roosters across Anzac Parade, where he is joined by Victor Radley (back from suspension) after Keary was cleared of a broken jaw.
While Mitchell completed light running drills on Tuesday at Rabbitohs training, Walker was named to face the Cowboys on Sunday with a call to be made on his fitness closer to game day.
Mitchell is targeting an NRL return against the Warriors next Friday, though he is no certainty for that outing either at this stage.
Mitchell's delayed return will mean he has been sidelined by a calf strain suffered in NSW Origin camp for at least a month, which saw him first named to return in Origin II before pulling out two days later.
Prop Tom Burgess also returns from a back injury against the Cowboys, while centre Isaiah Tass and his partner Ellie are due to have their first child born on game day.
"She's due this Sunday when we play, so fingers crossed something comes earlier," Tass said, hopeful he won't have to choose between pulling on the boots or being by his partner's side.
"My mindset is to play footy first and whatever happens, happens. It'll be a nervous wait so fingers crossed."
Meanwhile, Keary is a significant inclusion for the Roosters against Canberra after a CT scan cleared him of a fractured jaw when he was accidentally kicked by future teammate Dominic Young.
Keary did not exhibit any concussion symptoms and has completed non-contact training since the blow that left his face badly swollen in the Newcastle sheds last weekend.
Club officials believe the swelling, which continues to subside, may have been caused by the screws and plate from a previous facial fracture being hit in the incident.
Roosters and NSW captain James Tedesco has been named to back up from Origin II at fullback, with Kiwi star Joey Manu switching to the centres to accommodate Keary and rookie Sandon Smith in the halves.
While most NRL teams have named their Origin players to back up in round 17, Manly have only included star fullback Tom Trbojevic in their extended reserves to take on Melbourne on Saturday night.
Youngster Kaeo Weekes will wear the No.1 jersey with a call to be made on Trbojevic after he plays on Wednesday.
St George Illawarra will take the same stance with captain Ben Hunt after rejecting his release request from the final two years of his contract.
Hunt has been named to play the Warriors on Friday as club officials push to clear the air with their skipper as soon as possible regarding his future.
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