Newcastle prop Ben Cross is out for up to six months and halfback Jarrod Mullen could join him in a double blow to the Knights and NSW.

Cross has a ruptured bicep muscle which requires surgery and is out for four-six months, with the Knights hopeful the Blues front-rower can return if the club reaches the NRL finals.

Mullen, a prospective NSW halfback, will visit a specialist on Wednesday but may also be forced into surgery unless his injury is diagnosed as muscular.

It is a cruel blow to Mullen as he was in fine form heading into an Origin shootout with Brisbane's Peter Wallace at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday.

"Ben will be gone for a substantial amount of time. Four to six months. Probably more than likely about five months," said coach Brian Smith.

"That would get him back hopefully before the end of the season. He has a bicep rupture and he is in for surgery shortly.

"Jarrod Mullen's injury we are not sure of. He is going to see a specialist tomorrow afternoon which will determine whether he needs an operation. Hopefully he has a muscle injury."

Mullen and Cross could yet be joined on the sidelines this Saturday with Wes Naiqama (hamstring) out for up to a fortnight, Junior Sau (sternum) under an injury cloud and Matt Hilder and Richie Fa'aoso unable to train until later in the week.

But in positive news Steve Simpson (hamstring) was named on Tuesday for a return while Scott Dureau will replace Mullen at halfback.

St George Illawarra veteran Wendell Sailor (hamstring) returns for Sunday's clash with the Warriors after missing one week due to injury.

Fullback Wade McKinnon (hamstring) is back for the Warriors, pushing Lance Hohaia to an extended bench, but prop Sam Rapira (chest) has been ruled out for three weeks.

"It's a shame for Sam and for us because he has been outstanding so far," said coach Ivan Cleary.

"He has been one of the most reliable players for us over a long period and he also had a fantastic World Cup tournament for the Kiwis.

"If that's a negative, it's a positive to have Wade back at fullback. He was close to being right against the Storm but it wasn't worth risking him in the end. There's a long way still to go this season."

Mark O'Meley (knee) will miss the Sydney Roosters clash with Cronulla on Saturday night while former Test star Willie Mason has been demoted to the interchange.

Co-captain Luke Bailey (knee) and veteran Mat Rogers (neck) will return for the Gold Coast in Saturday afternoon's clash with South Sydney at Skilled Park.

North Queensland winger John Williams has reclaimed his spot from Shannon Hegarty for Friday's visit to Parramatta after he was stood down for missing a recovery session two weeks ago.

Eels champion Nathan Hindmarsh will miss the game through suspension with Joe Galuvao brought into the starting side.

Teenager Joseph Tomane has been added to Melbourne's side for Friday's grand final re-match with Manly at Brookvale Oval with NSW winger Anthony Quinn ruled out after his serious concussion last week.

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