They may be struggling to get the monkey off their back, but at least St George Illawarra won't have to deal with 'The Beast' in attempting to right their flagging NRL title defence.

Giant Warriors' winger Manu Vatuvei won't play again before the finals after injuring his wrist in Saturday's win over Penrith, his loss a massive blow ahead of Sunday's clash against the Dragons in Wollongong.

The red and whites are on a five-game losing streak which they need to end in a hurry if they are going to get back into the premiership race.

The two clubs are locked in a battle with North Queensland and Wests Tigers for the last remaining berth in the top four, Vatuvei's absence an untimely one considering the Dragons welcome back star duo Mark Gasnier and Brett Morris.

Gasnier trained strongly on Tuesday after pulling out of the loss to Melbourne with a hip injury, while Morris returns following the birth of his first child.

Despite the Dragons' recent struggles, Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said his side couldn't underestimate the premiers, with Krisnan Inu coming in for Vatuvei.

"If anything, it makes them even more dangerous," Cleary said.

"They're back in Wollongong and will be so desperate to get a win with the finals so close."

Newcastle will be without Junior Sau (ankle) and Matt Hilder (head gash) for their pivotal match against Canterbury on Saturday night after the pair picked up injuries in Monday night's loss to Brisbane.

Sau's immediate playing future is unknown as he awaits the results of scans, while Hilder was released from hospital early on Tuesday morning after being treated for a nasty wound.

Keith Lulia replaces Sa'u in the centres and Marvin Karawana and Mark Taufua are on an extended bench in place of Hilder.

The Bulldogs surprisingly named halfback Trent Hodkinson in their side after he was cleared of a leg fracture following the Manly clash, but he remains in doubt.

Backrower David Stagg said Hodkinson remained uncertain for this weekend's crucial match.

"All the guys certainly want him out there. He certainly played well on the weekend - fingers crossed he'll be alright," Stagg said.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy resisted the urge to rush back Cooper Cronk from an ankle injury for Friday night's top of the table match-up with Manly, but he refused to close the door completely on the representative half being a late inclusion.

"We're probably not going to have Cooper," Bellamy said.

"I wouldn't say we're a hundred per cent on that, but we're not going to take any chances with him.

"It has progressed a lot better than what we thought over the weekend ... we'll just see on Thursday."

North Queensland coach Neil Henry has recalled backrower Scott Bolton onto an extended bench for Saturday night's home game against Cronulla, the Sharks sticking with the same side that gave up a big lead in going down to the Sydney Roosters.

Veteran Gold Coast prop Luke Bailey returns from a neck injury for Monday night's game against a Wests Tigers side which welcome back Lote Tuqiri from a quad injury.

The dual international will be hoping for a bit more luck this time around with his last two comeback games from injury resulting in another stint on the sidelines.

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