Minor premiers Canberra will rest 10 players and name three debutants for the final round of the NRL season, opening the door for the Dolphins in their top-eight charge.
Corey Horsburgh will captain a Canberra side missing the remainder of the starting forward pack and spine from the win over Wests Tigers on Saturday, when the Raiders locked up first place.
It continues a remarkable turnaround from Horsburgh, whose future at the Raiders was shrouded in doubt this time last year amid injuries and poor form.
Gun recruit Matty Nicholson makes his first appearance since suffering leg injuries in May, while Michael Asomua, Manaia Waitere and Joe Roddy will all play NRL for the first time.
Of the 10 rested players, Kaeo Weekes (calf), Ethan Strange (neck) and Simi Sasagi (leg) are all carrying minor niggles, but are expected to be fit for the first week of the finals.
News of a weakened Raiders side is a boost for the Dolphins, who must win on Sunday to have any hope of a first finals berth in their third NRL season.
In more good news for the Dolphins, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is back from an ankle issue and superstar centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) has been listed on an extended bench.
After excelling against Gold Coast last week, Trai Fuller has been listed at fullback with regular No.1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to start in the centres.
But the Dolphins' dream of a first NRL finals berth could be dashed before kick-off if the Sydney Roosters beat bitter rivals South Sydney on Friday night.
Elsewhere, star halfback Jahrome Hughes returns from a shoulder injury as Melbourne look to bounce back from last week's dismal loss to the Roosters.
The Storm have already secured second place but forwards Stefano Utoikamanu and Shawn Blore are the only first-choice players rested for the clash with Brisbane.
Jack Howarth is on an extended bench so could return from a groin injury.
Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki has been dropped for the match following "a breach of Broncos team standards which has been dealt with internally".
The Rabbitohs have named Cam Murray to start from the bench for his first and only game of a season scuppered by the Achilles injury he suffered in February.
Latrell Mitchell misses the Rabbitohs' last game of the season with his back injury, having completed minimal training on Tuesday.
As Daly Cherry-Evans prepares for what is likely to be his last game at Manly, the Sea Eagles have named halfback of the future Joey Walsh to make his debut.
The highly rated young gun will start from the bench in Friday's clash against the Warriors.
Ex-Wallabies star Carter Gordon will also debut for Gold Coast in Des Hasler's final game as coach after a severe back injury delayed his start to life in the NRL.
Gun five-eighth Braydon Trindall has been named to line up in Cronulla's vital clash against Canterbury despite an ankle injury suffered last week.
If Brisbane lose to Melbourne on Thursday, the Sharks can clinch fourth spot on the ladder with a win, and will also have Jesse Ramien back from a thumb injury.
Dylan Brown will be given one last game in Parramatta colours, brought in to start at five-eighth in Sunday's game against his future club Newcastle.
