Craig Bellamy has pitchforked Kiwi international Kenny Bromwich into hooker as the Storm head into Magic Round short three rep stars, while Josh Hodgson returns after giving up Canberra's club captaincy and the Tigers rejig their spine as well.
Both Melbourne and the Maroons will sweat what are hoped to only be two-week injuries to Cameron Munster (foot sprain) and Harry Grant (hamstring), who will join Brandon Smith (suspension) in the stands for the Storm's clash with St George Illawarra.
Melbourne have indicated a "best-case scenario" for Munster and Grant is for them to return in round 12 for a final hit-out before Origin teams are named for game one on June 9, but any setbacks in their recovery could have the annual Queensland injury crisis already in play.
While Ryan Papenhuyzen looms as a late inclusion after being named in the extended reserves, Bromwich switches to dummy-half duties with Ryley Jacks replacing Munster and rookie rake Tyson Smoothy on the bench.
Hodgson, meanwhile, is also back from a calf injury via the Raiders bench against Canterbury, whose recent enquiries about an early release for the English veteran were swiftly rejected by Canberra.
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Hodgson's future has come under the microscope since he relinquished the captaincy before going down injured a month ago amid a four-game losing streak.
Bulldogs halfback Kyle Flanagan has also paid the price for their dire run of form, with Brandon Wakeham now partnering Jake Averillo in the halves.
Adam Reynolds returns from a thumb injury to lead the Rabbitohs against Cronulla, who on Monday upped their most recent three-year offer for him to join them next year.
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Benji Marshall shifts to five-eighth with Cody Walker still at fullback given Latrell Mitchell remains suspended.
The Sharks, too, welcome back Andrew Fifita for his first NRL outing of the season after being dropped by previous coach John Morris, while Josh Dugan is also restored out wide to replace Jesse Ramien (fractured eye socket).
Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire will shake up his side against Newcastle by shifting Adam Doueihi from five-eighth to centre and partnering Moses Mbye with Luke Brooks in the halves.
Hooker Jacob Liddle also returns this week and starts ahead of Jake Simpkin, who has been dropped back to the Tigers extended bench.
For the Roosters Lachlan Lam is back from a knee injury to partner Sam Walker against North Queensland after Drew Hutchison's eye-watering punctured lung and fractured rib injuries.
Walker struggled through the final minutes of last week's loss to Parramatta with an ankle issue, but has been named to take his place against the Cowboys.
So too has Victor Radley, who must still pass concussion protocols to take his place, with schoolboy Joseph Suaalii again named among the reserves.
The Eels have named four NSW Cup players in their 21-man squad to take on the Warriors, including Brad Arthur's son Jake to make his debut in the halves, as they navigate the NRL's latest COVID-19 restrictions around entering Brisbane.
