KEY POINTS:
The two NRL grandfinalists have reeled out long injury lists after the elimination finals but yesterday named full-strength line-ups for the clash on Sunday.
The Sea Eagles expect to have wing Chris Hicks back after injury when they face the Storm at the Olympic Stadium.
Their hooker Michael
Monaghan is being monitored after suffering concussion in the win over the Cowboys, secondrower Glenn Stewart played with an ankle injury that is still repairing, Kiwis centre Steve Matai has ankle and shoulder problems, prop Brent Kite a groin strain and impact benchman Steve Menzies calf and ear injuries.
Of the team that beat the Cowboys only Jamie Lyon, Jason King, Anthony Watmough, Adam Cuthbertson, Mark Bryant, Michael Bani and Jack Afamasaga completed their first training post-Cowboys.
Coach Des Hasler remains confident all will be on deck, including fullback Brett Stewart who had a knee scan yesterday. Storm opposite Craig Bellamy has likewise named a full-strength team, expecting those carrying injury to play.
Fullback Billy Slater has a knee problem, prop Ben Cross a hamstring tear, wing Israel Folau a calf strain, backrowers Clint Newton and Ryan Hoffman ankle and shoulder problems but all are expected to front.
The NRL's judiciary committee charged Storm secondrower Jeremy Smith with a grade one reckless high tackle for his hit on Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne but Smith escapes suspension because of a good record. Eels centre Timana Tahu copped a charge that carries a two-game ban for a head slam on Storm wing Israel Folau but won't serve it as he is switching to union. Eels utility Daniel Wagon will miss two weeks of the 2008 season on a tackle charge.
Tony Archer has been appointed referee with Bill Harrigan and Phil Cooley joint video refs.
* Kiwis prop Nathan Cayless suffered pectoral damage when his arm was torn back by Storm tacklers in the playoff in Melbourne and is in doubt for the test against Australia on October 14.
Eels teammate Fuifui Moimoi and his flatmate Wests Tigers wing Taniela Tuiaki who were subject of interest from the Kangaroos selectors have told the NZRL they will play for the Kiwis - now the Rugby League International Federation has to approve that.
The Australian selectors have confirmed Johnathan Thurston will undergo shoulder surgery that eliminates him from the test and said the seven jersey would go to one of Sunday's combatants Eagle Matt Orford or the Storm's Cooper Cronk, or to Titan Scott Prince who is touring Papua New Guinea with a Prime Minister's XIII.
* The Australian-based under-18s selected and trained by former Kiwis Sam Stewart, Darrell Williams and Mark Horo have provided seven of the New Zealand under-18s team after a trial against home-based players at Mt Smart.
The team meet their Australian counterparts at Mt Smart on Saturday at 1pm and the following Saturday at Rotorua Stadium at 2pm.
NZ Under-18s: Zoram Watene (Waicoa Bay), Alvin Mataveo (Sydney), Mark Talanoa (Sydney), Meli Koliavu (Wellington), Chippie Korustchuk (Canterbury), AJ Taumata (Sydney), Darren Tonihi (Canterbury), Russell Packer (Wellington), Manaia Osborne (Wellington), Leeson Ahmau (Auckland), Ben Matulino (Wellington), Jason Shirnack (Sydney), Roman Leolahi (Sydney); interchange Mose Maso (Wellington), Constantine Mika (Auckland), Ricardo Parata (Brisbane), Kenny Edwards (Brisbane), Daniel Palavi (Auckland).