Teams: Under-fire ref learns fate after criticism

Kasey Badger has retained her spot as a lead referee heading into round 10 in a show of faith from the NRL officials.

Despite a poor showing during the Bulldogs vs Tigers clash last weekend, Badger has been appointed for Sunday's match between the Roosters and Warriors.

The decision comes after widespread criticism of her performance, which included two players being sin-binned and a number of other controversial decisions.

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Badger will also be in the Bunker for the game between the Panthers and Bulldogs.

In other news heading into the weekend, Spencer Leniu will be back on deck for the Sydney Roosters after an eight-game suspension for racial abuse directed towards Ezra Mam during the side's trip to Las Vegas in the opening round.

Latrell Mitchell is also back from a three-game ban against the Dragons and it couldn't have come at a better time for South Sydney, who are without a number of key names – including skipper Cameron Murray – as their injury crisis continues.

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Billy Slater sent a simple message to the Rabbitohs fullback, who had been "frustrated" with the side's performances prior to being suspended for dangerous contact.

"Just go and play footy – that's what he does best, he enjoys that," he said on Nine's Billy Slater Podcast earlier in the week.

"He's a footy player and I'm sure he is looking forward to getting out there and having a bit of fun. Smile, go and enjoy yourself, play some footy. He'd been quite frustrated just before he got suspended and you could see that with some of his actions on the field.

"His team has been in a hole and he hasn't been playing his best football – but I think the game is better when Latrell is back and enjoying himself and playing well." 

Brisbane will be forced to make some changes to their backline, with Josh Rogers tipped to replace Adam Reynolds at halfback, while veteran Corey Oates is expected to return on the wing in place of the injured Jesse Arthars.

The injury cloud is still hanging over the head of Nathan Cleary, but the premiership-winning halfback should be named for Penrith's clash with Canterbury on Friday night.

The teams for round 10 will be announced at 4pm AEST.