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Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough could return from a knee injury for the NRL derby against Gold Coast.

Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough has been named to make his anticipated return from injury in Sunday's local derby against Gold Coast.

And Titans counterpart Nathan Peats could join him after being included in an extended bench for the struggling Titans.

The pair will join a host of stars with a chance of returning in round 13 of the NRL, including Canberra fullback Jordan Rapana and Manly No.1 Tom Trbojevic.

Penrith powerhouse Viliame Kikau and Sydney Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk are also back, as is St George Illawarra five-eighth Corey Norman.

Cronulla duo Wade Graham and Shaun Johnson, Parramatta forward Nathan Brown and Wests Tigers veteran Chris Lawrence are on an extended bench.

Thirty-three of the 34 State of Origin players have also been named to back-up from game one, with Cronulla centre Josh Morris rested.

Manly, Penrith, Canterbury and St George Illawarra named their Origin representatives in extended squads.

James Roberts will also begin his second life at South Sydney following his controversial switch from the Broncos last week.

McCullough came through a skills session with his Broncos teammates in training on Monday, less than a month after injuring his knee.

"He is progressing really well and should be available for selection this week," Broncos head of performance Paul Devlin said.

McCullough's return comes after replacement hooker James Segeyaro was stood down for a week following a drink-driving offence.

Peats (pectoral) hasn't played since round two, Brown (pectoral), round three, Trbojevic (hamstring), round four, and Johnson (hamstring), round seven.

Graham (knee) and Lawrence (cheekbone) have yet to play this season and will be major boosts for their respective sides, who are in the middle of the table.

The Dragons made six changes, including the recall of fullback Matt Dufty, and the axing of Jordan Pereira on top of injuries to James Graham and Tim Lafai.

Other notable selections included Connor Watson at hooker for Newcastle and Michael Morgan at fullback for North Queensland.

Drew Hutchison will also wear the No.6 at the Sydney Roosters following the concussion to Luke Keary.

South Sydney captain Sam Burgess will play against Newcastle on Friday before heading in for shoulder surgery that will likely rule him out for two matches.

Melbourne, Canterbury, and the Eels are the unchanged teams from round 12.

FRIDAY

Rabbitohs v Knights at ANZ Stadium, 6pm

Wests Tigers v Raiders at Bankwest Stadium, 7.55pm

SATURDAY

Warriors v Storm at Mt Smart Stadium, 3pm

Sharks v Eels at PointsBet Stadium, 5.30pm

Cowboys v Sea Eagles at 1300SMILES Stadium, 7.35pm

SUNDAY

Broncos v Titans at Suncorp Stadium, 2pm

Panthers v Roosters at Panthers Stadium, 4.05pm

MONDAY

Bulldogs v Dragons at ANZ Stadium, 4pm