Braith Anasta's NSW Origin snubbing has come with something of a silver lining - the captaincy of the Sydney Roosters this weekend.

With regular captain Craig Fitzgibbon surprisingly recalled to NSW for next week's clash with Queensland, Anasta was named captain by coach Brad Fittler in a sign of the 26-year-old's leadership credentials at Bondi.

Anasta was unlucky to miss out on a Blues recall himself, with NSW selectors opting to keep Australian five-eighth Greg Bird in the No.6 jumper.

Instead of spending the week in Origin camp Anasta will lead the Roosters against the Eels at Parramatta Stadium this Friday.

The Roosters are without almost their entire starting forward pack with backrowers Fitzgibbon, Willie Mason and Anthony Tupou in the Blues side and prop Nate Myles picked for Queensland.

The Eels have no such concerns after centre Jarryd Hayne was the only player picked for rep duty, with Nathan Hindmarsh bizarrely dropped and Brett Finch overlooked for the halfback position.

Another club benefiting from an Origin snubbing is Manly, who will be almost full-strength when they host North Queensland at Gosford on Saturday after fullback Brett Stewart was their lone selection.

Test prop Brent Kite was another stunning omission from NSW, as was centre Jamie Lyon, while Queensland dumped dependable centre Steven Bell.

Sea Eagles chief executive Grant Mayer couldn't understand why his club, which finished second in 2007 and are running in the NRL top four, was blatantly overlooked but is taking a positive view.

"NSW's and Queensland's loss at this stage is our gain," he said.

"I have to say there is a certain degree of joy for Manly fans as those players not selected is good for us heading into this important nine week period of the year." Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle is another looking into the half full glass after his halfback Scott Prince was sensationally left out of the Queensland side.

Not only does he have Prince available to face the Bulldogs at Skilled Park on Friday, but prop and co-captain Luke Bailey returns from a broken wrist.

"I know Scott is very motivated to prove that it may have been a mistake by not selecting him," said Searle.

The Bulldogs have named injured trio Luke Patten (back), Ben Roberts (hamstring) and Sonny Bill Williams (quad).

Rangi Chase has been recalled to St George Illawarra's halves, after Ben Hornby was picked for NSW, for Saturday's important clash with a Melbourne side missing nine players through Origin.

Veteran hooker Luke Priddis will lead Penrith in Petero Civoniceva's absence against the New Zealand Warriors at CUA Stadium on Sunday, the Warriors welcoming back Ruben Wiki but losing Brent Tate to the Maroons.

Kurt Gidley's fractured cheekbone has forced a reshuffle at Newcastle, with Wes Naiqama moved to fullback and Adam MacDougall named in the centres for Sunday's game with the Wests Tigers at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Tigers duo Benji Marshall (knee) and Robbie Farah (back) are back after injury spells, Marshall's return forcing Mathew Head to the bench with John Morris the preference at halfback.

Injuries have forced Canberra captain Alan Tongue to play hooker against South Sydney at home on Monday, the Rabbitohs unchanged after their drought-breaking win two weeks ago over the Cowboys, keeping lock Dean Widders and hooker Issac Luke in the halves.

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