PAUL GALLEN, the Cronulla skipper, has declared himself fit to take on the Broncos tonight despite suffering a knock late against Newcastle last weekend. However, officials maintain his NSW teammate Greg Bird will not play - and might even miss the following round's clash with St George Illawarra.

Brisbane assistant coach Ivan Henjak expects Bird, who flew to Brisbane with the rest of the Sharks squad yesterday, to return from his knee injury.

Sharks medicos, meanwhile, had feared Gallen had suffered internal damage from the clash with the Knights, but Gallen said: "There was a chance that I hurt my lung or my liver, but I'm fine. I didn't do much contact [training] during the week but it's nothing that'll keep me out."

Broncos lock Tonie Carroll and prop Nick Kenny both passed fitness tests on ankle injuries yesterday.

North Queensland coach Ian Millward said Carl Webb would return from an ankle injury against the Eels. Scott Bolton has travelled with the squad as 18th man. There is strong speculation Luke Burt will return for Parramatta after being rested a week ago.

Canberra back-rower Glen Turner (ankle injury) is considered a 50-50 chance of playing against the Titans tomorrow. Glen Buttriss will play if he is ruled out. Gold Coast are expected to be as named.

Penrith back-rower Frank Pritchard (shoulder) is in doubt to play the Tigers, with coach Matthew Elliott to make a decision on his fitness today. Wests Tigers skipper Brett Hodgson is also continuing to be troubled by a calf injury. Keith Galloway (toe) is expected to play.

For Melbourne , Steve Turner is likely to switch from the wing to fullback to replace the suspended Billy Slater against the Warriors on Sunday, with Brett Anderson to play on the wing. Russell Aitken, Scott Anderson and Aiden Tolman have been added to the Storm squad. The Warriors are expected to be as named.

Newcastle bench prop Danny Wicks is out for between two and four weeks after damaging his ankle at training on Wednesday, while back-rower Steve Simpson (also ankle) remains in doubt. Mark Taufua will play for Wicks, with Marvin Karawana the likely replacement for Simpson if he is ruled out. Half Jarrod Mullen is considered only a 50-50 chance of playing due to a hip problem. South Sydney have lost winger Shannon Hegarty to a groin strain, with Luke Capewell taking his spot.

Manly halfback Matt Orford (groin) remains in doubt to play the Roosters. The Roosters are expected to be "1-17".

Bulldogs whizkid Ben Barba will make his debut against the Dragons on Monday night after the club stood down Ben Roberts and Lee Te Maari for breaking the club's code of conduct. Nick Kouparitsas is the likely replacement for Te Maari. Hooker Corey Hughes (rib) is also in doubt. Sonny Bill Williams is almost certain to start after recovering from a back injury.

For the Dragons , Stuart Webb is likely to come into the starting side for the suspended Beau Scott.