Hazelton set for instant impact as cavalcade of stars return

Cronulla skipper Cameron McInnes has backed prop Tom Hazelton to make an instant impact after he was named to return from a back injury this weekend. 

The forward's inclusion on the bench is offset by the loss of Braden Hamlin-Uele, with Siosifa Talakai also named on the interchange but listed as a 50-50 chance to feature in Saturday's clash with the Bulldogs. 

Toby Rudolf is in the mix to return from off-season shoulder surgery after being named in an extended bench. 

McInnes has been pleased with the way the forward pack has stepped up amid a number of changes and said Hazelton will provide additional punch up front.

"The thing about Tommy is he's a footballer," McInnes said. "He finds the try line and the reason that happens is he's so smart, he works hard and he knows where to put himself. 

"If we get him back this week, it'll be a huge bonus for us."

The Bulldogs have named an unchanged squad for the clash, with Cameron Ciraldo sticking with Bailey Hayward at five-eighth.

Hazelton's return comes as a host of big names prepare to complete comebacks in Round 4. 

Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has been named to play in his first game of the season in Friday's Battle for Brisbane against the Dolphins. Deine Mariner has moved to the extended squad as a result, with Gehamat Shibasaki retaining his place as the other centre.

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has stuck with the same 17 that fell to the Wests Tigers last week, resisting the urge to make any changes.

Rabbitohs veteran Alex Johnston has been named to play his first game since rupturing his Achilles in July last year when the side takes on Penrith. The 30-year-old will return on the wing, with Isaiah Tass shifting to the centre and Campbell Graham to miss the clash with a leg injury. 

The reigning premiers will be without halfback Nathan Cleary for the clash, with Trent Toelau stepping into the No.7 jumper. 

Tyran Wishart has been picked at halfback for the Storm in Jahrome Hughes' absence for their clash with St George Illawarra. Nick Meaney's broken jaw has seen Grant Anderson shift to centre and Will Warbrick return from a head knock on the wing. 

Veteran duo Nat Butcher and Lindsay Collins have been named to make their return via the interchange for the Roosters' clash with the Gold Coast. Hooker Connor Watson will miss the clash, however, after being placed in the NRL's head knock protocols. 

Titans fullback Keano Kini will miss the match with a neck injury, with Jaylan De Groot to step into the role. 

The Dragons have received a major boost with David Klemmer set for his first game for his new club and Gerringong junior Dylan Egan in line to make his NRL debut off the interchange.

As for Cronulla, Rudolf, Jayden Berrell and Mawene Hiroti have been named in the extended squad and are in the mix to come into the side if Talakai is ruled out.

McInnes recognises Saturday's clash with Canterbury at Sharks Stadium will pose a new challenge but remains confident his side has the depth to cover any late changes. 

"We have such good depth in the pack and it's showing its importance right now," McInnes said. "Whoever comes in has done a good job for us. 

"I'm not too sure what's going to happen this week with a couple of injury clouds but I've got total faith that whoever comes in is going to get the job done."