Glenn back, but no Brett for Manly

Manly coach Geoff Toovey has named internationals Glenn Stewart and Steve Matai to return for Friday night's grudge match against Canterbury but star full-back Brett Stewart misses out on the chance to spoil former mentor Des Hasler's return to Brookvale Oval.

In a huge boost for the Sea Eagles ahead of one of the most anticipated games of the season, Kiwi centre Matai (flu) and back-rower Glenn Stewart are both back in the starting side to face the Bulldogs.

Matai, who was a late withdrawal from the side that lost to Newcastle last weekend, is considered a certainty to play but it's understood Glenn will still need to prove his fitness later in the week.

The NSW forward not only has to overcome his knee injury but shake off a flu that has him bed-ridden.

But the game has come too soon for full-back Brett who injured his hamstring in the win over Parramatta nine days ago, with youngster Dean Whare to play in the No. 1 jersey.

Hasler said he expects his side will face their biggest challenge of the season, regardless of who lines up in the premiers' side.

"I've got to say I've been really impressed with the players that have come in (for the injured stars)," Hasler said on Tuesday.

"The emergence of (Daniel) Harrison's been great, Whare's been great, young (Jorge) Taufua on the wing has been just fantastic for them.

"The players that have come in have done a really great job and that's testimony to the side and also Geoff and his coaching staff.

"I expect Gifty (Glenn Stewart) to play but I don't think they'll be risking Snake (Brett) with his hamstring injury.

"He (Glenn) adds another dimension to their game, particularly with his work with the ball. He'll be great."

The Bulldogs have named prop Sam Kasiano in their side but he will need to beat a high tackle charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night to take his place.

Kasiano is facing a week on the sidelines if he's found guilty of the grade two charge, which knocked out Parramatta's Fuifui Moimoi.

David Stagg will start in the back-row, with Dene Halatau out with a medial ligament injury to his knee.

Englishman Gareth Ellis makes his long-awaited comeback from a foot injury for the Wests Tigers clash with North Queensland in Townsville on Monday night.

Ellis' return comes at just the right time for the Tigers, with prop Keith Galloway out with a shoulder injury.

Adam Blair is back from suspension in the front-row.

There's still no Billy Slater (knee) for Melbourne for the trip to Parramatta to play the Eels on Saturday night.

Sisa Waqa earns a spot on the wing in place of the injured Matt Duffie, while Rory Kostjasyn will partner Cooper Cronk in the halves.

Joseph Paulo will play five-eighth for the Eels, with former Storm pivot Luke Kelly out for six weeks with a fractured eye.

South Sydney have included Issac Luke in their team to play St George Illawarra on Saturday night, despite the hooker facing a three-game ban for a dangerous tackle.

The Rabbitohs have until midday on Wednesday to enter their plea to the charge but it would appear unlikely they will opt to fight it at the judiciary.

Jamie Soward has recovered from back spasms to be back in the Dragons side, replacing Kyle Stanley who is out for the rest of