Josh McGuire has been named on an extended bench for North Queensland as the Maroons star attempts to prove his fitness ahead of State of Origin I.
McGuire hasn't played since straining his calf in round eight of the NRL, but is hopeful of returning when the Cowboys face Canberra on Saturday.
Gideon Gela-Mosby coming in for the injured Ben Hampton (ruptured biceps) is the only change made by Cowboys coach Paul Green for the road trip.
But it's the status of his prize lock forward that will be of most interest to Maroons coach Kevin Walters, who announces his team after this round.
McGuire is considered the frontrunner to pip teammate Jake Granville for the Maroons' vacant No.9 jumper for game one against NSW.
Asked whether he expected McGuire to suit up, Green told reporters on Tuesday: "We haven't trained as a team. Monday was pretty much rehab so he did his own running that day. We haven't trained together as a group until (Wednesday).
"We'll probably have a better idea after that.
"He's pretty keen. He knows there's some big games around the corner so he wants to probably get a game under his belt before that."
Incumbent Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has failed to come back from an ankle injury, and will have to prove his fitness early in Origin camp.
In other team news on Tuesday, Parramatta, Penrith and St George have swung the axe in a big way after last-start defeats.
Eels coach Brad Arthur has benched Brad Takairangi and Daniel Alvaro, while Tepai Moeroa is out with concussion.
Maika Sivo returns from suspension, while Blake Ferguson has curiously moved to the centres ahead of a possible comeback to Origin on the wing.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has also responded to his side's latest failure with three changes, including the recall of Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Josh Mansour.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been omitted, while youngster Jarome Luai slots into the halves for the suspended James Maloney.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor is the third coach to ring the changes, with Matt Dufty, Mikaele Ravalawa and Josh Kerr all losing their spot in the 17.
Zac Lomax starts at fullback, Euan Aitken returns to the centres, while Jonus Pearson, Reece Robson and Korbin Sims get call-ups.
Also, Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner and Canberra prop Joseph Tapine return from injury, while Cronulla star Matt Moylan is on an extended bench.
Gold Coast pair Shannon Boyd and Keegan Hipgrave also return from layoffs, while Warriors veteran Adam Blair comes in for the suspended Agnatius Paasi.
Ladder leaders South Sydney, Manly, Newcastle, Brisbane and the Sharks all named unchanged 17-man line-ups.
NRL ROUND 11 MATCHES (ALL TIMES AEST)
THURSDAY
Eels v Panthers at Bankwest Stadium, 7.50pm
FRIDAY
Sea Eagles v Titans at Lottoland, 6pm
Knights v Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium, 7.55pm
SATURDAY
Raiders v Cowboys at GIO Stadium, 3pm
Warriors v Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium, 5.30pm
Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium, 7.35pm
SUNDAY
Bulldogs v Storm at Belmore Sportsground, 2pm
Dragons v Sharks at WIN Stadium, 4.05pm.
