Finals series sick list

The NRL's finals series kicks-off on Friday night with the Panthers hosting St George Illawarra at Penrith Stadium.

Panthers second rower Joe Galuvao (shoulder) is backing his recuperative powers to get him ready in time although club officials are less optimistic.

However, fellow Kiwi Tony Puletua (ankle) should play while fullback Rhys Wesser (thigh) is a 50-50 proposition.

Test forward Luke Bailey (pectoral) should be back for the Dragons alongside prop Jason Ryles (rib).

Centre Mark Gasnier (collarbone) is at longer odds to take his place.

Melbourne faces Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy rested Robbie Kearns (foot), Billy Slater (groin) and Matt Orford (groin and shoulder) for the club's game against Manly on Sunday to ensure they would play against the Broncos.

Captain Stephen Kearney (knee) and lock Kirk Reynoldson (calf) also missed the Sea Eagles game.

"The three I rested will be playing, Kearney and Reynoldson I'm not so sure," Bellamy said.

"Our medical staff were a bit conservative but they reckoned a week off (for his key players) would help them.

"Whether it does or not, I'm not quite sure."

Brisbane should get good news this week on their swag of injured players.

Darren Lockyer (rib cartilage), Shaun Berrigan (shoulder), Tonie Carroll (shoulder), Craig Frawley (hamstring) and Scott Minto (neck) should be available for the clash with Melbourne.

Bulldogs halfback Brent Sherwin (hip) will return for his side's game against North Queensland at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night.

The Cowboys are also expected to be strengthened, with rested forwards Travis Norton and Luke O'Donnell certain to play after skipping Saturday night's win over Cronulla.

Coach Graham Murray has plenty of decisions to make with Glenn Morrison, Kevin Campion and Matt Sing all emerging from their returns unscathed.