Several stars will be sidelined for Round 5 of the NRL with the Roosters’ hopes of ending a two-game losing skid rocked by a fractured cheekbone to Victor Radley.
While he will be out of Friday’s showdown with Souths, star fullback Latrell Mitchell has been cleared to make his comeback from a hamstring injury for their traditional rivals.
Nathan Cleary is back for Penrith from a concussion, Dylan Edwards is a maybe and winger Brian To’o won’t play.
“Nathan will be back, Bizz (To’o) won’t be, hopefully Dylan will be,” coach Ivan Cleary said on Monday.
Five players have been suepended after being charged in Round 4 with Dragons prop Emre Guler (three matches for a crusher tackle) in the most strife.
Tigers star Jarome Luai faces a one-game punishment for a high shot on Ed Kosi. It will double if he unsuccessfully contests the charge.
Broncos forward Jordan Riki (two matches for a high tackle), Bulldogs forward Sitili Tupouniua (one for a late hit) and Dolphins captain Tom Gilbert (one for a high shot) have accepted their bans rather than risk an extra week out at the judiciary.
Round 5 teams
All times AEDT
Raiders vs Sharks at GIO Stadium: 8pm, Thursday April 3
Raiders: Morgan Smithies should be right to return after missing the Round 3 match against the Cowboys due to a concussion.
Josh Papalii has been fined $6000 but avoided suspension for a couple of high shots and Joseph Tapine is in the clear for a chicken wing tackle.
Sharks: Braden Hamlin-Uele (knee) is unlikely to be back after sitting out Saturday’s duel with the Dogs while fellow prop Tom Hazelton is set to return after he was a late withdrawal on the weekend.
Sam Stonestreet is $1500 lighter in the hip pocket after a crusher tackle charge.
Kayal Iro (hamstring) and Siosifa Talakai (concussion) are under an injury cloud.

Nathan Cleary hoists a high bomb. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Panthers vs Cowboys at CommBank Stadium: 6pm, Friday April 4
Panthers: Nathan Cleary returns from his concussion layoff in a major boost to the ailing premiers who have lost three from four.
Dylan Edwards (groin) is a slight chance to make an early comeback while veteran forward Scott Sorensen is out after copping a heavy head knock in the loss to the Rabbitohs.
Back-up half Trent Toelau (knee) and winger Brian To’o (hamstring) limped off in Thursday’s upset defeat and will also be out of action.
Cowboys: Jeremiah Nanai has avoided a ban for a high tackle on Tom Starling, copping a $1000 fine.
Rabbitohs vs Roosters at Accor Stadium: 8pm, Friday April 4
Rabbitohs: Alex Johnston (scapula) is out after a bittersweet return from his torn Achilles but the club is confident he won’t be out too long.
Star fullback Latrell Mitchell (hamstring) and second-rower Lachlan Hubner (suspension) are back on deck while Campbell Graham (leg) is a maybe after missing the win over Penrith.
Roosters: Connor Watson will return from a concussion so Zach Dockar-Clay will revert to the bench utility role.
Victor Radley suffered a fractured cheekbone in last Friday’s loss to the Titans so he will miss a few weeks.
Eels vs Dragons at CommBank Stadium: 3pm, Saturday April 5
Eels: Second-rower Jack Williams will be out for a month due to a knee injury. Mid-season Warriors recruit Dylan Walker is set to make his club debut.
Dragons: David Klemmer was elevated to the starting side for his club debut and is likely to be named there for the clash with the Eels with Emre Guler banned for three matches over a crusher tackle.
Titans vs Dolphins at Cbus Super Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday April 5
Titans: Front-rower Jaimin Jolliffe (calf) should be right to play but may struggle to force his way into Des Hasler’s winning line-up.
Dolphins: After four losses, Kristian Woolf is under pressure to change his side after sticking with largely the same squad throughout the losing streak.
Tom Gilbert received a one-game ban for a high shot on Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs. The Dolphins are mulling over whether to fight the charge at the judiciary and risk the suspension being doubled.
Broncos vs Tigers at Suncorp Stadium: 3pm, Saturday April 5
Broncos: Back-rower Jordan Riki was slapped with a grade-two careless high tackle after his shoulder collected the head of Dolphins winger Jack Bostock in the 39th minute of their win at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. The Broncos have not risked a three-week suspension by fighting Riki’s charge and he is out for a fortnight. His place in the team for next Saturday night’s home clash with Wests Tigers will likely be taken by bench back-rower Brendan Piakura.
Tigers: Winger Jeral Skelton is hoping to return from a brief hamstring layoff but Jarome Luai has been banned for a high shot. Alex Seyfarth copped a fine for his high shot on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad which decided the game on Sunday at Campbelltown Stadium in controversial circumstances.
Sea Eagles vs Storm at 4 Pines Park: 4.05pm, Sunday April 6
Sea Eagles: Lachlan Croker is on course to return at hooker after being sidelined since the pre-season with a knee complaint.
Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (concussion) is available but star half Jahrome Hughes (broken hand) is unlikely to be good to go for at least another week.
Bulldogs vs Knights at Accor Stadium: 6.15pm, Sunday April 6
Bulldogs: Sitili Tupouniua has been banned a week for a late hit on Braydon Trindall while Reed Mahoney has been fined $3600 but won’t be suspended for two charges.
Outside back Jacob Kiraz, five-eighth Matt Burton and second-rower Viliame Kikau are a fortnight away from a comeback from their respective knee injuries.
Knights: Leo Thompson (knee), Dylan Lucas (hamstring) and Kai Pearce-Paul (suspension) will be absent from the pack.
Bye – Warriors
with AAP