Buderus, Hodges back, NRL bad boys out

Dominic Brock | rugbyleaguelive.com | 22/07/08 | 0

NRL stars Danny Buderus and Justin Hodges are back in action this week, while several bad boys are in doubt after a brawl-filled weekend.

On Friday night Brisbane will welcome back strike centre Justin Hodges after a six-match ban, with coach Wayne Bennett calling for a much improved performance this week against the tough-to-beat Sharks.

In the other Friday night clash Jarryd Hayne will again start at fullback in place of Luke Burt, while Kristopher Keating continues to fill the role of injured pivot Feleti Mateo. Mark Riddell has been dropped to the bench, with Matthew Keating coming into the side at hooker.

Parramatta's opponents Norht Queensland are facing a dreaded 12th-straight loss, but they will be boosted by the return of former Test prop Carl Webb who moves straight into the starting side alongside Shane Tronc.

Todd Carney has been stood down indefinitely by the Raiders, opening up the chance for 21-year-old halfback Marc Herbert to make his NRL debut against the Titans on Sunday.

The Gold Coast's horror run with injuries has continued with Mat Rogers out for three weeks, with Ashley Harrison shifting into five-eighth alongside half Brad Davis.

Wests captain Brett Hodgson returns from injury to lead the Tigers at Penrith on Saturday night.

Storm star Billy Slater faces a two-match ban over his role in the brawl with St George Illawarra on Monday night, but at this stage has been named in Melbourne's lineup to take on the Warriors.

Newcastle captain Danny Buderus returns from injury for the Knights on Sunday, bumping Scott Dureau out of the side and relieving Kurt Gidley of the duty of playing two positions - hooker and halfback.

Their opponents in that match will be a hooker short, with Rabbitohs No.9 Isaac Luke replaced by George Ndaira after being suspended for a dangerous throw.

Manly are without injured duo Jamie Lyon and Jason King for their clash with the out-of-form Roosters, while Matt Orford remains in doubt with a groin injury.

St George Illawarra back-rower Beau Scott has been named in the Dragons lineup despite facing a contrary conduct charge over the Storm brawl, while their Monday night opponents the Bulldogs have named Reni Maitua, Lee Te Maari and Ben Roberts in the team - despite the trio being investigated by the club over another pub fight.