NRL finals health check: Raiders' Origin hero hit by curse as every team's casualty ward laid bare

An injury crisis has hit some of the leading premiership contenders at the worst time of year and it threatens to overshadow week one of the NRL finals.

As many as 24 players across the eight finals teams are either out for the season or are racing to play a part in the playoffs.

In Friday night's Melbourne blockbuster alone, the Storm and Bulldogs will be missing as many as seven players through injury and suspension.

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"When you get to this time of the season you do need a bit of luck with injuries," 2016 premiership winner Paul Gallen told Nine's Today.

"(The Bulldogs) have got a couple of their bigger names, particularly in the outside backs, who have been hurt, and they go down to Melbourne which will be a tough game down there."

A Canberra veteran has been added to the list of casualties, while the Panthers and Roosters appear to be flying injury free - but will have fingers and toes crossed they don't fall victim to the trend this week.

Here is an NRL finals health check.

RAIDERS

Canberra was flying fit - bar a long-term shoulder injury to Xavier Savage - until veteran prop Josh Papalii went down at training on Friday.

Despite Raiders coach Ricky Stuart resting all his big guns for the clash against the Dolphins, the injury curse struck the ladder leaders in the cruellest fashion.

Papalii injured an ankle at training on Friday and is in doubt to face the Broncos on Sunday.

Aside from Papalii and Savage, the green machine should be rolling into a home qualifying final fit and firing.

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STORM

Melbourne has been hit hard this week with halfback Jahrome Hughes breaking his arm, and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen failing a concussion test. Both will miss Friday's blockbuster against the Bulldogs.

Towering front rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona is also suspended, but wily hooker and captain Harry Grant returns from his own ban.

He says the Storm can cover for the loss of Hughes, with Tyran Wishart and Jonah Pezet fighting for the starting role.

"For six or eight weeks we've performed well with Wishy and Jonah at half, so it's probably back to the normal routine," Grant told Today.

"You want to be ready for this week, you don't want to feel like you've limped into finals."

Grant says he is feeling refreshed after spending a fortnight on the sidelines through suspension. A refreshed Grant is a scary thought for any opposition.

Gun centre Jack Howarth remains sidelined with a groin issue for Melbourne.

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BULLDOGS

It was also a nightmare round 27 for Canterbury with Marcelo Montoya (ankle) and Bronson Xerri (concussion) being knocked out of the first week of finals at least.

The Dogs are hoping gun winger Jacob Kiraz can return from an ankle injury in time to take on the Storm.

"He's still 50/50 and it will probably be coach's last call, but it will be exciting to hopefully get him back this week," captain Stephen Crichton told Today of Kiraz.

BRONCOS

While Brisbane made it through its round 27 victory relatively unscathed, a host of gun players remain in the casualty ward.

Backline stars Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam aren't expected to return this season, while halfback Adam Reynolds is racing the clock to recover from his own hamstring injury.

The veteran No.7 revealed to Nine's Today that he is hoping to take on the Raiders on Sunday.

"Still got a few little hurdles to get over," Reynolds said.

"Big training session on Tuesday with the team, we'll see how that goes then make a decision from there... I might not get my spot back in the team."

Forwards Jack Gosiewski and Xavier Willison have been out injured but are hoping to come back and play a role in finals.

Origin centre Gehamat Shibasaki was stood down last week after turning up to training under the influence of alcohol, and it remains to be seen whether he's recalled to face Canberra.

SHARKS

The big news came on Monday when the NRL downgraded a Nicho Hynes charge, allowing the halfback to take on the Roosters on Saturday.

He will be joined in the halves by Braydon Trindall who returns from an ankle injury, while international backrower Briton Nikora is also back after a suspension.

Aside from inspirational forward Cameron McInnes - who is out for the year with a knee injury - the Sharks will be full strength for their must-win final.

WARRIORS

The Auckland-based outfit suffered a cruel blow mid-season when star halfback Luke Metcalf and Origin forward Mitch Barnett suffered season-ending knee injuries.

They have been a shadow of themselves since, and will limp into finals given next to no chance of winning the premiership by punters.

Hooker Wayde Egan should be back to face the Panthers this week, and Jackson Ford will return from suspension, but Rocco Berry, Jacob Laban, and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava remain sidelined.

PANTHERS

The four-time defending premiers are absolutely flying and should have a fully fit squad to pick from this week week.

Origin stars Brian To'o and Liam Martin are expected to return and make the trip across the ditch.

ROOSTERS

Nat Butcher remains the only Roosters player in the casualty ward after he was sent for an MCL reconstruction last week.

The Chooks are flying as they head to Shark Park for a must-win elimination final.