PJ Marsh rushed back for Broncos
Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak could rest Test stars Darren Lockyer and Justin Hodges from Sunday's clash with a desperate Manly at Suncorp Stadium.
Henjak trotted out a 20-man squad on Tuesday which included former representative hooker PJ Marsh who is set to play his first NRL game of the season after being kept in the Queensland Cup for two months.
Four Brisbane players are on representative duty this weekend with Lockyer, Hodges and Israel Folau lining up against New Zealand in Friday night's Test and halfback Peter Wallace auditioning for the NSW No.7 jumper for City against Country Origin in Orange on the same night.
Henjak didn't dismiss the possibility of not playing Lockyer and Hodges if they were involved in a physical Test match 48 hours earlier.
"We probably won't be able to make our mind up about the team until Saturday afternoon when our rep players have their medicals," said Henjak on Tuesday.
"I'm pretty sure the players involved in rep football will fit back into the team if they get through."
"But we could rest Locky and Hodgo.
"We'll leave that decision up to them, they know their bodies better than anyone and they're very experienced guys.
Marsh, who has played four State of Origins for Queensland, has not made an NRL appearance this season with youngster Andrew McCullough and Aaron Gorrell sharing the dummy half duties for the first eight games.
But Henjak feels he could add a little bit of spark and be damaging with his defence around the rucks.
"We're just looking for a little bit of enthusiasm and his defence around the ruck can add something to the side," he said.
"He can put a big shot on as well which could lift the boys against a side like Manly who are a pretty physical team.
McCullough, still only 19, may get a rest this weekend with Marsh capable of playing in the halves should Lockyer or Wallace get injured or need a spell.
Manly are in the same boat with a number of players involved in the representative clashes.
"They're a little more desperate after last week, you'd hate to be going into round 10 with a 2-7 record.
"They'll be desperate. They probably see their season slipping away a little bit, so as the defending premiers they will really want to kick start their season.
"It will be difficult for them too. I think they've got six players in the rep teams and Adam Cuthbertson is injured, but they'll be a dangerous rival."
Meanwhile, optimistic St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett has named all eight of his representative players in an unchanged line-up for Saturday's clash with North Queensland.
Injured duo Ben Hornby (quad) and Matt Cooper (hip) have also been named, despite being ruled out of the Country side.
But the Dragons say they will fly an extended squad to Townsville on Thursday to cover any injuries arising from Friday night's games.
The Cowboys have rewarded interchange prop Matt Scott's good form with a start, while Antonio Kaufusi drops back to the bench.
Newcastle coach Brian Smith has named in-form Country halfback Jarrod Mullen at five-eighth, partnering Scott Dureau in the halves for the Sunday clash with Gold Coast at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
And Mitch Aubusson (back) returns to the Sydney Roosters bench for Monday's clash with Melbourne, while the Storm welcome back winger Anthony Quinn from concussion.
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