​​​​​​​​​​​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

NRL Round 16 Team Tips are dominated by the expected returns of Tom Trbojevic and Tom Dearden, while several clubs await decisions on State of Origin players ahead of matches beginning on June 19 across Australia. Teams are balancing injury recoveries, Origin workloads and selection dilemmas as the race for finals positions intensifies, making this one of the most important team list announcements of the season.

Manly and North Queensland are among the biggest winners heading into the round, with both clubs expected to welcome back their captains after lengthy injury absences.

Knights and Dragons face key selection calls

Newcastle could be without two of their biggest stars when they host St George Illawarra. Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Lucas are considered unlikely to back up after the short turnaround from State of Origin.

The Knights are expected to regain Bradman Best and Sandon Smith from calf injuries, providing a significant boost to their attack. Jermaine McEwen will miss the clash after receiving a club imposed suspension following an off field incident.

The Dragons must cover the loss of Jaydn Su'A, who is expected to undergo surgery on a pectoral injury and could miss the remainder of the season. Christian Tuipulotu and David Fale are both pushing for returns, while several NSW Cup performers are also in contention.

Tigers hit by fresh injury concerns

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has indicated Adam Doueihi is unlikely to return this week despite earlier hopes he could face the Dolphins.

The bigger concern could be Kai Pearce Paul, who left the field with a suspected pectoral injury. Api Koroisau is expected to back up from Origin duties, although his minutes may be managed.

The Dolphins are also juggling Origin commitments. Hamiso Tabuai Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Plath, Jack Bostock and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki are among those who could be affected by the representative schedule. Jake Averillo is nearing a return from a hand injury and could force changes in the backline.

Titans and Panthers monitor representative stars

Gold Coast should regain Chris Randall after he missed last week due to concussion protocols. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui remains a watch after Origin and personal leave, while Jojo Fifita is expected to be available.

Penrith may once again rest several Blues stars following Origin. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o are all candidates for a week off, while Casey McLean has been ruled out with a quad injury suffered in camp.

Jack Cogger, Luke Garner, Liam Henry and Izack Tago are likely to benefit if Penrith opts to rest key players.

Trbojevic return creates selection headache

Manly faces one of the more intriguing selection decisions of the round. Tom Trbojevic is expected to return from a hamstring injury, but Clayton Faulalo has impressed during his absence.

The Sea Eagles must decide whether to immediately restore Trbojevic or give him additional recovery time. If he returns, Faulalo may need to shift positions or make way despite strong performances.

The Bulldogs are closely monitoring Stephen Crichton after he was ruled out of Origin II with a shoulder concern. Kurt Mann is also expected to return and strengthen the bench rotation.

Warriors and Cowboys boosted by returning stars

The Warriors are sweating on the fitness of winger Alofiana Khan Pereira after he suffered a heavy cork. Charnze Nicoll Klokstad is available and would likely slot straight into the starting side if required.

James Fisher Harris remains sidelined with a calf strain, although the club expects him back shortly after the upcoming bye period.

North Queensland is set for a major boost with Tom Dearden expected to return from an ankle injury. The representative halfback would immediately strengthen the Cowboys spine and push Liam Sutton out of the starting halves combination.

Thomas Mikaele remains under an injury cloud, while Jeremiah Nanai is still unavailable.

Storm and Raiders prepare for crucial clash

Melbourne expects Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero to back up from Origin. Tyran Wishart is also nearing a return from injury and could provide valuable versatility.

The Raiders should regain Ethan Strange and Hudson Young after Origin commitments. Coach Ricky Stuart may also consider recalling Josh Papalii and Savelio Tamale as Canberra searches for improved form.

Their selections could prove decisive against one of the competition's strongest sides.

Roosters and Sharks await updates

The Roosters have six Origin representatives, creating uncertainty around their final lineup. James Tedesco, Sam Walker, Reece Robson, Victor Radley, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Robert Toia will all be monitored.

Head injuries have already ruled out Hugo Savala and Reece Foley, while Daniel Tupou could return from a calf complaint.

Cronulla remains without clarity regarding Nicho Hynes and his calf injury. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has not provided a firm timeline, making a Round 16 return unlikely.

Jesse Colquhoun will miss through concussion protocols, meaning the Sharks will need changes in the forward pack.

As Round 16 approaches, the biggest talking points remain the return of marquee players such as Trbojevic and Dearden, along with the availability of Origin stars across the competition. Team lists released this week could have a major impact on the ladder as clubs attempt to build momentum heading into the middle stages of the season.