Resurgent Parramatta have rushed Timana Tahu back into the centres for their big NRL clash against Canterbury on Friday night.

The Eels star was suspended for four weeks after an anger-fuelled high-tackle on Newcastle winger James McManus back in round 15.

Tahu's suspension came on Monday June 21. His head was still spinning that night after he was embroiled in a race scandal involving Andrew Johns in NSW Origin camp in the previous week.

His brain-explosion against the Knights earned him a forced break, and Parramatta captain Nathan Cayless said Tahu is now re-focused.

The dual international was perhaps lucky to come straight back into the starting side, with Jonathon Wright omitted after scoring two pivotal tries in last week's miracle comeback win over Penrith.

However Cayless said Tahu won't let anyone down.

"All the boys in the team have offered their support but talking to Timana and the way he's been training he's fine," the Eels captain said.

"He's moved on and he's really looking forward to getting back out on the field and playing footy and getting on with everything.

"He's been great since he's been back. It should be good, it should be exciting.

"He's been training for the last few weeks and he's been training very hard. The coaching and training staff haven't been very sympathetic to Timana while he's been suspended.

"He's very keen to get back out on the field and contribute to our team and he's someone that can contribute a lot.

"Obviously he's someone that's got real attacking ability. He's got speed and power and I'm looking forward to his battle this week with Jamal Idris again."

Newcastle coach Rick Stone has opted not to make mass changes to his side which was embarrassed 52-18 by Canberra last week.

Stone has brought Cameron Ciraldo into his starting second row, and Con Mika in as an impact forward off the bench.

Cory Paterson has been dropped while Mark Taufua has been relegated to an extended bench as 18th man.

Injury has forced Gold Coast coach John Cartwright to alter his line-up.

Five-eighth Greg Bird (hamstring) and lock Ashley Harrison (knee) are out, prompting a reshuffle.

Mat Rogers will move to No.6, with ex-Warrior Clinton Toopi and former Bronco Steve Michaels the new centre pairing.

Bodene Thompson will start at lock, while young guns Ben Ridge and Shannon Walker have been named on an extended bench.

The high-flying Warriors have named an unchanged line-up but have added former Queensland representative Jacob Lillyman as 18th man.

Coach Ivan Cleary said his team won't be getting complacent against a hungry South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

"While we've had a good run lately with some consistent performances we face another major test against the Rabbitohs this week," said Cleary.

"They've got Sam Burgess, who has been in outstanding form this year, as well as David Taylor and Roy Asotasi in their pack and their backline is a really settled combination.

"They'll be absolutely desperate after being beaten late by the Dragons last week.

"Nothing changes for us. We still have to front up again this week and make sure we compete as well as we can to be in contention."

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