With four Bulldogs sidelined by NSW Health after breaching NRL restrictions and becoming a close contact of a case at a Bondi pub, Canterbury are stretched to the limit against Manly on Saturday.

Coach Trent Barrett has been forced into naming three debutants, with Falakiko Manu at centre along with half Bailey Biondi-Odo and forward Christopher Patolo on the bench.

But it is Flanagan's call-up that is of the most interest.

The former Cronulla and Sydney Roosters playmaker has been picked over the top of Lachlan Lewis to replace the sidelined Brandon Wakeham.

It marks his first selection since he was hooked in the club's round-nine loss to St George Illawarra at Kogarah.

It also comes a week after the Bulldogs missed out on the signature of Cronulla half Shaun Johnson, who will instead head to the Warriors next year.

The Bulldogs have at least received some good news with Corey Allan making his return from a shoulder injury on the wing.

Naden will play his first game of the season on the wing for Penrith, with Charlie Staines shifting to fullback to replace the injured Dylan Edwards (foot).

Naden has not played first grade since testing positive to cocaine after last year's grand final, earning him a four-week stint in reserve grade at the start of the season.

Tyrone May will also come back in the centres after being dropped following two straight losses, with Matt Burton filling in for Nathan Cleary at halfback.

The club's backline shortage was made worse when Paul Momirovksi (hip) and Robert Jennings (hamstring) were ruled out.

The club is also in the dark on how long Cleary will be missing, with the star halfback out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.

Elsewhere Canberra captain Jarrod Croker will play his first game since round seven when he returns from a knee injury against Gold Coast on Saturday.

Kalyn Ponga is again named for Newcastle to face former club North Queensland as he attempts to return from a groin injury.

Ponga has not played since early May after being ruled out of the first two State of Origin matches.

Fellow Queensland fullback AJ Brimson is also back from his knee issue to face Canberra for Gold Coast, after also missing Origin II.

Kotoni Staggs will play his first game of the year for Brisbane against the Sharks after being suspended for two weeks by the NRL's integrity unit, following a long-term knee injury.

Jamayne Isaako, Corey Oates and Brodie Croft will also return, with Xavier Coates unable to back up from Origin II and Karmichael Hunt dropped.

But Melbourne have opted to push back Ryan Papenhuyzen's return from concussion until after their round-17 bye, leaving Nicho Hynes at fullback against the Sydney Roosters.

Australian Associated Press