Parramatta playmaker Daniel Mortimer has been recalled for the Eels' last throw of the dice against an equally-desperate South Sydney in Friday night's NRL eliminator at ANZ Stadium.

Suffering a bad case of the second-year blues, Mortimer hasn't been sighted in the NRL since being dropped after his side's 34-12 loss to Gold Coast in round 22.

But with Jeff Robson out with a knee injury, the 21-year-old has been given another chance by Eels coach Daniel Anderson in a game both sides need to win to remain any chance of taking part in the finals.

Back-rower Ben Smith also returns after a two-week suspension, while the Rabbitohs have named rookie Dylan Farrell in the centres in place of Beau Champion, who won't play again in 2010 due to a broken leg.

Manly will give Anthony Watmough every chance to overcome an ankle injury ahead of Sunday's blockbuster against the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Football Stadium, the Sea Eagles already without fellow back-rower Shane Rodney (knee).

The Roosters have named an unchanged side as they look to arrest a three-game losing streak that has seen them drop to sixth on the ladder.

As expected, Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak has resisted the temptation to rush back skipper Darren Lockyer (ribs), with Corey Norman to again deputise in the No.6 against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night.

Gold Coast will have fullback Preston Campbell back for Saturday night's match-up with Cronulla.

Campbell missed Monday night's win over the Sydney Roosters with a hamstring injury but the Titans are confident he will recover in time despite the short turnaround.

NSW lock Greg Bird remains on the bench for what will be his first match at Toyota Park since being cut by the club in 2008.

St George Illawarra have representative stars Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith back in the pack for the clash against Newcastle on Saturday night, after the pair were rested for Sunday's loss to Canberra.

Meanwhile, Bill Harrigan is back in the video referees box after being standing down for a shocking ruling last just the one week.

Harrigan was banished after incorrectly awarding a try to Dragons centre Mark Gasnier in the Dragons' round 24 win over Manly, but has been recalled to officiate in the Sharks-Titans encounter.

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