Broncos star Ezra Mam will be making his NRL return this weekend after he avoided a ban despite being placed on report in his comeback for feeder club Souths-Logan in the Queensland Cup.

The 22-year-old playmaker was in strife for a tackle on Western Clydesdales prop Lachlan Mears-Crabbe in the Magpies’ 66-10 win at Davies Park on Sunday.

Queensland Rugby League’s statewide competitions match review committee has reviewed the incident, and Mam was not charged.

Mam was superb in the Queensland Cup on his rugby league return from a nine-week suspension, with a try and three try assists before being rested after 47 minutes. 

Mam, trained at five-eighth with the Brisbane NRL side on Tuesday and Wally Lewis insists having him and Reynolds back together will be important for the Broncos in their quest to find winning form.

“It is very handy for the Broncos to have two blokes like that in those positions who can adjust and take control,” Lewis told AAP.

“Ezra is a smart operator now. He knows if there is an opportunity, he takes off and makes the most of it …  in a running role where he doesn’t have to come up with something so smart and creative himself. 

“When he gets himself in the position where there are no opportunities for him or chief playmaker Reynolds, he is smart enough to pass the ball and offer an opportunity to those outside him. 

“It has been good to see him adjust to a position where it is not easy to snap your fingers and extract the best from. 

“It took him a little while to adjust. He was a shy kid to start with, but that has gone out the window, and he is able to react to any situation quickly, so that he can play a key role. It has been good to watch him do it.”

Regular five-eighth Ben Hunt suffered a hamstring injury in Brisbane’s 22-14 loss to South Sydney on Friday night and is set to miss four to six weeks. 

Half Jock Madden, was a back-up option, but he is set for surgery on a ruptured pec sustained in the Queensland Cup and is facing three months on the sidelines.

Canterbury have been dealt another back-row blow, with lock Jaeman Salmon to miss close to 10 weeks with a fractured ankle.

With the top-of-the-table Bulldogs already significantly down on stocks, Salmon limped from the field in Saturday’s come-from-behind win over Canberra.

Scans on Sunday showed a fracture, meaning he will require surgery, with Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould suggesting he would face a 10-week return to play.

Ezra Mam passes. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Salmon’s injury comes with Josh Curran, Sitili Tupouniua and Jacob Preston all still serving suspensions. Curran has another match to wait before returning from a shoulder charge, while fellow second-rowers Tupouniua and Preston have another three games to go.

Kurt Mann will fill Salmon’s No.13 jersey against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.

Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange has avoided a ban for two matches for a dangerous throw tackle on Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton in Saturday’s loss at GIO Stadium.

He dodged the suspension by paying a fine of $2500 for the incident in the 13th minute of the 32-20 victory to the visitors.

Seven other players were fined, but no suspensions were handed out after a quiet Round 10 on the judiciary front.

Canberra’s unlikely, charmed run to the NRL’s top four has hit an early roadblock with English import Matty Nicholson facing three months on the sidelines.

Back-rower Nicholson has been a revelation since arriving at Canberra from Super League club Warrington over the off-season.

The 21-year-old Yorkshireman has made a spot on the Raiders’ right edge his own, registering five tries in nine games.

But Nicholson is now staring at a prolonged absence from the NRL after sustaining an ankle injury and fracture to his fibula in last weekend’s loss to Canterbury.

Zac Hosking will fill his position, with the ex-Penrith and Brisbane forward proving a versatile option for the Green Machine this season.

Nicholson’s absence will be a mighty blow to Stuart’s side, who have confounded pre-season expectations to sit in the top four.

The Raiders (7-3) play struggling Gold Coast on Sunday in what will represent the last chance for Nicholson’s fellow second-rower, Hudson Young the chance to press his claims for a NSW State of Origin recall.

Round 11 teams

All times AEST

Knights vs Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium: 6pm, Friday May 16

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Tyson Frizell 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Thomas Cant 17. Brodie Jones 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Paul Bryan

Powerful winger Greg Marzhew failed to finish the loss to Gold Coast due to a knee injury, with 20-year-old debutant Fletcher Hunt coming in as a replacement.

Tyson Frizell shifts to the front row to cover Leo Thompson, who will miss the clash after a head knock. 

Kai Pearce-Paul and Phoenix Crossland paid $1800 fines for separate Grade 1 Careless High Tackle offences, with teammate Brodie Jones slugged with a $1000 fine with his early guilty plea, for a Grade 1 Crusher Tackle.

Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Zac Lomax 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Matt Doorey 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Dylan Walker 15. Luca Moretti 16. Jordan Samrani 17. Toni Mataele 18. Joash Papali’i 19. Ryan Matterson 20. Dean Hawkins 21. Jake Tago 22. Brendan Hands

Representative winger Zac Lomax will make a comeback from his foot injury, and it’s a is a straight swap with Bailey Simonsson, who picked up a foot injury himself.

Matt Doorey has been added to the starting side at the expense of Charlie Guymer, while young forward Sam Tuivaiti suffered an ankle injury and is out for 8-10 weeks after having surgery.

Eels forward J’maine Hopgood ($1500 for a crusher tackle) was fined from Thursday’s loss to the Dolphins.

Josh Curran celebrates a try. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Bulldogs vs Roosters at Accor Stadium: 8pm, Friday May 16

Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Harry Hayes 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Lipoi Hopoi 17. Luke Smith 19. Jack Underhill 20. Blake Wilson 21. Jake Turpin 22. Drew Hutchison 23. Blake Taaffe

Harry Hayes comes into the starting side to replace Jaeman Salmon and youngster Luke Smith is set to make his NRL debut off the bench. 

Josh Curran has another match to wait before returning from a shoulder charge, while second-rowers Sitili Tupouniua and Jacob Preston have another three games to go.

Kurt Mann will start at lock.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Egan Butcher 16. Blake Steep 17. Lindsay Collins 18. Ethan King 19. Salesi Foketi 20. Dominic Young 21. Chad Townsend 22. Benaiah Ioelu

Lindsay Collins (knee) has been named on the bench as he looks to show his fitness ahead of the Origin team naming.

After having the bye, Sandon Smith (concussion) makes his return at five-eighth.

Dolphins vs Warriors at Suncorp Stadium: 3pm, Saturday May 17

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 13. Ray Stone 14. Harrison Graham 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Josh Kerr 17. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Oryn Keeley 20. Max Feagai 21. Kenny Bromwich 22. Junior Tupou

Former Blues prop Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) and Kiwi hooker Jeremy Marshall-(leg) King were both unable to return.

There are no changes to the squad, but just one minor reshuffle with Ray Stone and Tom Gilbert switching roles in the pack.

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Taine Tuaupiki 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Samuel Healey 18. Eddie Ieremia 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 23. Moala Graham-Taufa

Kiwi prop James Fisher-Harris (pectoral) returns to the front row, but outside backs Ali Leiataua (ankle), Rocco Berry (hamstring) and Ed Kosi (shoulder) will remain out.

Jackson Ford (concussion) is also out after copping a head knock in the win over his former club St George Illawarra in Wollongong.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was listed in the reserves and is an outside chance at a comeback.

Warriors forward Erin Clark ($1000 for a careless high tackle) is free to play despite being charged.

Cowboys vs Sea Eagles at QCB Stadium: 5.30pm, Saturday May 17

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kai O’Donnell 18. Jake Clifford 19. Thomas Duffy 20. Semi Valemei 21. Karl Lawton 22. Kaiden Lahrs

A surprise selection reshuffle from Todd Payten with young gun Jaxon Purdue shifting from centre to five-eighth, with Tom Dearden at halfback. Jake Clifford is 18th man.

Zac Laybutt will play his first NRL match since tearing his ACL in Round 5 last year.

Reuben Cotter is out for one more match on a high-tackle ban. Jason Taumalolo (calf) was a late withdrawal from the draw with Penrith on Saturday night and remains out.

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Caleb Navale 17. Nathan Brown 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Joey Walsh 22. Matthew Lodge

Jake Trbojevic returns to his familiar position at lock.  Jazz Tevaga move back to hooker, with Ethan Bullemor to start at prop.

Josh Aloiai (shoulder) and hooker Lachlan Croker (knee) were looking to get the green light after stints on the sideline, but were still unfit to play. Nathan Brown was fined for a crusher tackle in the loss to Cronulla but is free to play.

Matt Lodge is eligible to play and is among the extended reserves.

Sharks vs Storm at Shark Park: 7.35pm, Saturday May 17

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Teig Wilton 22. Chris Veaila

Siosifa Talakai (concussion) has been named on the bench, but Second-rower Teig Wilton (shoulder) is on the reserves list. Tom Hazelton is out after succumbing to a shoulder injury. 

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sua Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Harry Grant 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Harry Grant (hamstring) could be a chance of returning and impressing Maroons selectors after being named on the extended reserves, but Will Warbrick (concussion) remains out.

Tui Kamikamica has been named on the bench with Nelson Asofa-Solomona reverting to the reserves list. 

Broncos vs Dragons at Suncorp Stadium: 2pm, Sunday May 18

Broncos: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Xavier Willison 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Cory Paix 15. Corey Jensen 16. Brendan Piakura 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Josiah Karapani 20. Martin Taupau 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Delouise Hoeter

Ben Hunt will not play until mid-June due to a torn hamstring, but Ezra Mam has been selected after not being charged for a high shot in the Queensland Cup. 

Star fullback Reece Walsh (knee) is at least another week away from a return from his knee injury. 

Broncos forward Xavier Willison copped an $1800 fine for a Careless High Tackle, which is his second offence of this nature. He has been named in the back row, and Brendan Piakura goes back to the bench.

Dragons: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Corey Allan 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lyhkan King-Togia 8. Jack de Belin 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Dylan Egan 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 17. Blake Lawrie 18. Nathan Lawson 19. Hame Sele 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 22. Michael Molo

An injury to Toby Couchman (shoulder) has seen Jack de Belin come into the starting side and Blake Lawrie onto the bench.

Veteran forward Tom Eisenhuth (concussion) remains out after missing their loss to the Warriors.

Raiders vs Titans at GIO Stadium: 4.05pm, Sunday May 18

Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Josh Papali’i 17. Ata Mariota 18. Jed Stuart 19. Noah Martin 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Danny Levi

English forward Matty Nicholson (ankle) limped off in the closing stages of the loss to Canterbury and is facing a long stint on the sidelines, meaning Zac Hosking has shifted to the starting second row.

Corey Horsburgh (concussion) is back after missing a week, in the only other change for Ricky Stuart’s side.

Titans: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Kieran Foran 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Chris Randall 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Tony Francis 19. Arama Hau 20. Josh Patston 21. Harley Smith-Shields 22. Sean Mullany

Kieran Foran is set for his first match since injuring his biceps during the pre-season and will start on the bench.

Front-rower Jaimin Jolliffe will also return on the bench from his two-game careless high tackle ban, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has escaped sanction by the Match Review Panel after hitting Knights forward Leo Thompson high in the opening minute of their comeback 24-20 win in Newcastle.

Philip Sami shifts from centre to wing and Jojo Fifita moves to the centres. 

Tigers vs Rabbitohs at Campbelltown Stadium: 6.15pm, Sunday May 18

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Royce Hunt 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Brent Naden 15. Tony Sukkar 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Heath Mason 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Solomona Faataape 21. Reuben Porter 22. Tristan Hope

Starford To’a has missed the past two matches due to a neck problem and has been named in the centres with Brent Naden back to the interchange bench.

Middle forward Fonua Pole (knee) did not last long in the bloodbath loss to Melbourne. Benji Marshall has recalled prop Royce Hunt into the starting side, with Jack Bird listed on the bench.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jye Gray 15. Sean Keppie 16. Davvy Moale 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Tevita Tatola 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Josh Schuster 21. Fletcher Myers 22. Jacob Host

Veteran winger Alex Johnston is back from a hamstring problem, replacing Fletcher Myers in the only change for Wayne Bennett’s team.

Bye – Panthers 

with AAP