Dragons holler for a Marshall

St George Illawarra halfback Benji Marshall has been named to make a timely return for the Dragons as their top-eight hopes go on the line against Penrith at WIN Stadium on Thursday night.

Marshall injured his hamstring during the win over Warriors last week.

Dylan Farrell has also been named on the wing, and Jake Marketo on an extended six-man bench.

South Sydney have turned to Paul Carter to solve their hooking crisis, while Bulldogs third-string rake Damien Cook will make just his fifth NRL appearance in Friday's monster clash.

Just as it was in last year's season decider, this week's grand final replay between the two teams may depend on which side reacts best to the loss of their dummy half.

The Rabbitohs' Luke is out of the ANZ Stadium showdown due to suspension with the No9 to be worn by Carter, who was sacked by Gold Coast last year for drink-driving before being thrown a lifeline at Souths.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has put his faith in 24-year-old Cook after Michael Lichaa was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

With utility Josh Reynolds still several weeks away from returning from a knee injury, halfback Trent Hodkinson said the team had confidence in Cook.

"[Lichaa] is one of those players - your six, seven, fullback or nine is a big loss for you but we've got options there," Hodkinson said.

"Young Damien Cook has been playing really good down in NSW Cup and if he gets a crack I'm sure he'll be excited."

John Sutton has been named to replace suspended Rabbitohs five-eighth Luke Keary, however he is struggling to overcome a buttock injury.

Broncos skipper Justin Hodges will be back from suspension for his side's top-of-the-table showdown with the Sydney Roosters which looks likely to decide the minor premiership.

On the opposite side of the coin, the Roosters have question marks over their three-quarter line with Blake Ferguson contesting a tripping charge.

But they have a handy replacement with Mitch Aubusson included on an extended bench, while Brendan Elliot has been named in the starting team.

Cronulla utility Ben Barba, out two weeks with an ankle strain, has been replaced by Matt Prior.

Wests Tigers enforcer Martin Taupau will make his comeback from a three-week suspension, while key trio Aaron Woods (knee), Luke Brooks (hand) and Robbie Farah (cheekbone) have all been named.

With Kane Elgey (hip) and Aidan Sezer (shoulder) out, Gold Coast will field a makeshift halves combination of Daniel Mortimer and Josh Hoffman.

Isaac De Gois will wear the Parramatta No9 jersey with Nathan Peats out for the rest of the year.

Dale Finucane has been named for the Storm but seems an unlikely starter after suffering a dislocated forearm against Cronulla last Monday night. AAP