Parramatta have received a massive boost for Friday's top-four NRL battle with Penrith, with Reed Mahoney cleared of a serious shoulder injury and a chance to play as they look to lock up a top-four spot.
However, battered Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga (rested) and his Melbourne equivalent Ryan Papenhuyzen (Achilles) will miss their games against the Roosters and North Queensland respectively.
Mahoney was expected to be ruled out indefinitely after he was hurt in the win over the Warriors, leaving "mad man" utility Ray Stone to play hooker.
He is now a chance to line up against the Panthers though, potentially saving Parramatta from dramas in the position where they have the least depth.
Uncapped rookie Rhys Davies is the only other hooker in Parramatta's squad, with Stone having never started at No.9 in the NRL.
Eels coach Brad Arthur said it would be a "touch and go" call, but teammates have backed Stone if Mahoney is a late scratching.
"Stoney has been great filling in when Reed has been injured," centre Michael Jennings said.
"He is a great hitter, brings a lot of energy ... he goes 100 miles an hour. He's a mad man."
Parramatta can all but wrap up a place in the top four with a win on Friday and are the only team to beat leaders Penrith this season - in round five.
Isaah Yeo (concussion) will return for Penrith, with James Fisher-Harris pushing Moses Leota to the bench alongside last-game try scorer Kurt Capewell.
Meanwhile Tex Hoy will replace the rested Ponga at fullback against the Roosters on Saturday after the Queensland star was roughed up again by Cronulla last week.
Jake Friend (concussion) is back for the Roosters while Sonny Bill Williams remains on the bench for their SCG clash.
Nicho Hynes will replace Papenhuyzen (Achilles) agianst the Cowboys, the suspended Christian Welch another key out for the Storm.
But injury returns for Suliasi Vunivalu (jaw) and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (calf) will offer some respite for the second-placed side.
Shaun Johnson (groin) will play halfback for the Sharks in place of the suspended Chad Townsend against the Warriors while Dane Gagai (hamstring) is back for South Sydney to play Wests Tigers on Thursday.
The Raiders will go in unchanged against St George Illawarra, who will debut Cody Ramsey on the wing in place of Mikaele Ravalawa.
Brisbane captain Alex Glenn is set to return from injury to play against Gold Coast, who will be without in-form centre Brian Kelly (ankle).
Beau Fermor will move from second row to centre to accommodate that, while Xavier Coates returns to the bench for the Broncos.
Injuries to Keiran Foran and Dylan Napa have forced mass changes at Canterbury, with Jayden Okunbo to play his first game of the season and Jake Averillo to wear the No.6.
Australian Associated Press
