Chambers dumped, Raiders forwards answer Bulldogs' SOS call

Sharks coach Josh Hannay has dumped under-fire centre Will Chambers while the Bulldogs have picked up two Raiders forwards on short-term loans to help ease their engine room woes.  

After a huge fallout following last week's loss to the Warriors, Chambers was left out of Hannay's backline for Sunday's vital clash against Newcastle after the Warriors took aim at the veteran for his sledging antics last week. 

The 33-year-old made headlines last month for driving from Melbourne to Brisbane to keep his NRL career alive following the birth of his child but now appears to be on the outer with Hannay.

Hannay, who conceded he wasn't a fan of sledging in the game, has moved Siosifa Talakai from the back row to the centres in a clear sign Chambers had fallen out of favour this week.

It's a huge call for the Sharks, who are one win behind Newcastle and just two points outside the top eight with four rounds remaining.

The Knights have made changes of their own for the encounter with Jayden Brailey returning to face his former side while Connor Watson replaces Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) in the starting side.

Meanwhile, Raiders big men Ryan James and Corey Horsburgh will line up for Canterbury this week in a bid to get match fitness while helping fill the gaps left by the Bulldogs' latest suspensions in their forward pack.

The pair's arrival on a short-term loan will cover the suspensions of Jack Hetherington and Dylan Napa. Luke Thompson remains sidelined by a ban and Renouf Atoni has returned to Sydney for the birth of his child.

Horsburgh hasn't played since injuring his wrist in May while James will get his first match in since round 18.

The Raiders have named Bailey Simonsson to return for their clash against Melbourne on the wing with Jordan Rapana keeping his position at fullback.

Bulldogs' general manager of football Phil Gould said the club was grateful to be allowed to loan James and Horsburgh.

"It’s been a tough year for the club, but the coach and players want to continue being competitive right until the very last siren rings out," Gould told the club website.

"In our hour of need, to have another NRL club show us such support, typifies the unity amongst all NRL clubs in these difficult times.

"Hopefully it’s never needed, but if the opportunity ever arises one day, we will be certain to return the favour."

In other team news, the Panthers have again named Nathan Cleary in the reserves as he looks to make a return to the side before the finals.

For a consecutive week, Cleary has joined the side for skills training but is no guarantee to line up against the Dragons with the club cautious about his return.

The Panthers have named Api Koroisau for the clash but the NSW hooker will need to beat a judiciary charge on Tuesday night.

The Dragons have lost Tariq Sims (suspension) for the match with Tyrell Fuimaono and Josh Kerr both returning to the 17.