Returning to the starting line-up for the first time since Round 4, Talakai will fill the hole created by injured second-rower Teig Wilton on Cronulla’s left edge.

Used off the bench for most of the year, Talakai has produced substantial impact despite only playing more than 30 minutes four times in the past eight weeks.

Now set for a bigger role, Talakai is poised to take on impressive Broncos forward Riki, who is averaging a tick under 35 tackles per match in 2024.

Atkinson has been steady and reliable since coming into the halves six weeks ago, with an ability to know when to play second fiddle and when to take control.

The rookie playmaker showed off his running game against the Eels last week, stepping and shrugging his way over the line for his first NRL try.

Mam, meanwhile, will bring up the 50th match of a career that has already included a grand final hat-trick. With Walsh sidelined and Brisbane’s other Origin players not certain to back up, Mam is likely to be their main man