Latrell Mitchell could be in line for his first NRL action in more than three months after the South Sydney superstar was named on the Rabbitohs' extended bench for the weekend.
Mitchell was listed in jersey No.22 for Saturday's home clash with the Warriors, where the Bunnies can secure a finals spot with victory.
The centre hasn't played since a round 11 match against the Dolphins after picking up a calf injury and seeing a specialist for a back issue.
But if Mitchell comes into the starting line-up against a Warriors side featuring Nathan Cleary's younger brother Jett among their reserves, it would be a significant boost for Wayne Bennett's men.
Mitchell's inclusion was one of several notable inclusions on Tuesday.
Tom Trbojevic returns at fullback for Manly's trip to Newcastle on Saturday, while Canberra outcast Corey Horsburgh has earned a recall to the bench for Josh Papali'i's last home game on Friday against Brisbane.
Trbojevic's inclusion after a hamstring injury pushes Clayton Faulalo to five-eighth to cover the loss of rookie Joey Walsh to a jaw fracture.
Newcastle will be boosted by the return of centre Bradman Best and prop Jacob Saifiti.
In other team news, Adam Doueihi's dramatic finish to the season at Wests Tigers has come to an early end, with the halfback to miss the final three rounds with a shoulder injury.
The Tigers confirmed Doueihi would undergo surgery and miss Sunday's meeting with the Sydney Roosters, who welcome back James Tedesco at fullback.
Doueihi has been battling the injury since returning in early July after initially being hurt against Cronulla in round nine, and will be unavailable for Lebanon at the World Cup.
The 28-year-old's setback comes after he sat out a match against Canberra last month after a "communication breakdown" with coach Benji Marshall.
Doueihi admitted afterwards he regretted the decision and insisted he remained committed to the Tigers for next season after being close to their best in 2026.
Jock Madden takes over at halfback at the expense of Doueihi.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has gone full strength as his side aim to pip Penrith and the Warriors to the minor premiership.
The Panthers bring Casey McLean back into the centres for Thursday's trip to face Melbourne, who welcome back Harry Grant at hooker.