Reigning premiers Penrith finally have some squad relief with halfback Nathan Cleary set to play his first game of the year.
Cleary hasn’t set foot on a field since steering the Panthers to grand final victory against South Sydney, given he subsequently underwent shoulder surgery and missed the first three games of this campaign.
He is back for the rematch with the Rabbitohs on Friday night.
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His return couldn’t come soon enough for Penrith, which has been decimated due to injury and players departing over the off-season.
If James Fisher-Harris and Liam Martin – who are racing the injury clock – both miss Friday’s clash, the Panthers will have only nine of their grand final-winning team lining up in the rematch.
According to AAP, that will be the most players missing from a reigning premiers for a grand final rematch since the Roosters in 2003.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
THURSDAY
Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers at Cbus Super Stadium, 8.05pm
Referee: Grant Atkins
Titans: 1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Thompson 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Greg Marzhew 6. AJ Brimson 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Isaac Liu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Will Smith 15. Sam Lisone 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Kevin Proctor 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Esan Marsters 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Paul Turner 22. Sosefo Fifita 23. Tony Francis 24. Jacob Allick
Analysis: Jayden Campbell is out with a rib injury suffered against the Raiders in round three. The Titans are also missing Philip Sami and Herman Ese’ese as they tested positive to COVID-19. Jamayne Isaako makes his club debut, having only joined last week from the Broncos.
Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Oliver Gildart 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Jock Madden 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Zane Musgrove 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Joe Ofahengaue 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Alex Twal 16. Luke Garner 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Starford To’a 20. Jake Simpkin 21. Austin Dias 22. Tukimihia Simpkins 23. Junior Tupou 24. Ruatapu Ngatikaura
Analysis: The Tigers welcome back James Roberts, Ken Maumalo, and Kelma Tuilagi. Stephano Utoikamanu is out injured, bringing Zane Musgrove into the starting pack.
FRIDAY
Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights at PointsBet Stadium, 6pm
Referee: Ben Cummins
Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Braydon Trindall 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Jack Williams 20. Luke Metcalf 21. Royce Hunt 22. Lachlan Miller 23. Jenson Taumoepeau 24. Franklin Pele
Analysis: The Sharks have named big forward Siosifa Talakai in the centres, in light of the injury to Connor Tracey last week. Teig Wilton is back from suspension to fill the second row void. Matt Ikuvalu is out with an ankle injury and that pushes Ronaldo Mulitalo back to the wing.
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Chris Randall 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Brodie Jones 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jirah Momoisea 16. Leo Thompson 17. Sauaso Sue 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Tex Hoy 20. Edrick Lee 21. Mathew Croker 22. Pasami Saulo 23. Dylan Lucas 24. Brayden Musgrove
Analysis: Kalyn Ponga is named at fullback again, having missed the last two games with injury. Mitchell Barnett will be suspended at the judiciary, with Brodie Jones named in the backrow in his place. Sauaso Sue returns from injury to line up on the bench, pushing Mat Croker out.
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at BlueBet Stadium, 8.05pm
Referee: Ashley Klein
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Matt Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. J’maine Hopgood 16. Lindsay Smith 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Robert Jennings 19. Liam Martin 20. Soni Luke 21. Eddie Blacker 22. Christian Crichton 23. Kurt Falls 24. James Fisher-Harris
Analysis: Nathan Cleary comes in for his first game of the year, having had shoulder surgery following the grand final victory. Sean O’Sullivan drops out to accommodate Cleary, while Chris Smith is also out due to concussion protocols as a result of Mitchell Barnett’s illegal elbow.
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Knight 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Davvy Moale 20. Josh Mansour 21. Richard Kennar 22. Dean Hawkins 23. Isaiah Tass 24. Peter Mamouzelos
Analysis: An unchanged line-up from the one that beat the Roosters.
SATURDAY
Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos at Moreton Daily Stadium, 3pm
Referee: Chris Sutton
Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Adam Pompey 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Rocco Berry 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh Curran 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Aaron Pene 17. Jack Murchie 18. Taniela Otukolo 20. Ben Murdoch-Masila 21. Pride Petterson-Robati 22. Peesi Kepu 23. Junior Ratuva 24. Shaun Johnson 25. Edward Kosi
Analysis: Bayley Sironen is out of the side, with Jack Murchie coming onto the bench. Shaun Johnson is named in the extended squad as he races the clock to recover from a pectoral injury.
Broncos: 1. Tesi Niu 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Albert Kelly 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Ryan James 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Keenan Palasia 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Thomas Flegler 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. TC Robati 17. Billy Walters 18. David Mead 19. Rhys Kennedy 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jordan Pereira 22. Cory Paix 23. Brenko Lee 24. Kurt Capewell
Analysis: Kurt Capewell is expected to miss the game with a calf injury. Thomas Flegler is back, and Ryan James is named to start at prop.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders at Glen Willow Oval (Mudgee), 5.30pm
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Sean Keppie 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Andrew Davey 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dylan Walker 15. Karl Lawton 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Josh Aloiai 20. Tolutau Koula 21. Jorge Taufua 22. Kurt De Luis 23. Christian Tuipulotu 24. Alec Tuitavake
Analysis: Josh Aloiai is available to return from suspension, but is only named in the reserves list.
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Semi Valemei 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Brad Schneider 8. Josh Papalii 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Elliott Whitehead 14. Matt Frawley 15. Emre Guler 16. Adam Elliott 17. Corey Horsburgh 18. Xavier Savage 19. Ryan Sutton 20. Adrian Trevilyan 21. James Schiller 22. Sam Williams 23. Trey Mooney 24. Peter Hola
Analysis: Nick Cotric returns, pushing Seb Kris out of the side.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7.35pm
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Connelly Lemuelu 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Condon 23. Emry Pere 24. Daejarn Asi
Analysis: Unchanged from the side that thumped the Broncos.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Billy Smith 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 16. Angus Crichton 17. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 18. Naufahu Whyte 19. Renouf Atoni 20. Lachlan Lam 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Kevin Naiqama 23. Adam Keighran 24. Tukupa Hau Tapuha
Analysis: Fletcher Baker is replaced by Daniel Suluka-Fifita on the bench.
SUNDAY
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs at AAMI Park, 4.05pm
Referee: Adam Gee
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King 14. Brandon Smith 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Trent Loiero 17. Tepai Moeroa 18. Chris Lewis 19. Nick Meaney 20. Jayden Nikorima 21. William Warbrick 22. Marion Seve 23. Tyran Wishart 24. Sualauvi Faalogo
Analysis: Xavier Coates returns to the side, as does Harry Grant who was ruled out last week with COVID-19. Grant pushes Brandon Smith back to the bench, while Nick Meaney is out to accommodate Coates.
Bulldogs: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Braidon Burns 3. Aaron Schoupp 4. Brent Naden 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Corey Waddell 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Josh Jackson 14. Bailey Biondi-Odo 15. Chris Patolo 16. Max King 17. Ava Seumanufagai 19. Reece Hoffman 20. Jake Averillo 21. Joe Stimson 22. Kyle Flanagan 23. Jayden Okunbor 24. Josh Cook 25. Jackson Topine
Analysis: As reported by Wide World of Sports, Jack Hetherington is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Luke Thompson starts at prop and Corey Waddell in the second row, while Ava Seumanufagai joins the bench.
Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons at CommBank Stadium, 6.15pm
Referee: Chris Butler
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Waqa Blake 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Nathan Brown 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Bryce Cartwright 17. Oregon Kaufusi 18. Mitch Rein 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Hayze Perham 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Solomone Naiduki 23. Samuel Loizou 24. Elie El Zakhem
Analysis: Ryan Matterson returns from a hamstring injury sustained in round one.
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Jack Bird 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Tariq Sims 14. Jack de Belin 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jackson Ford 17. Aaron Woods 18. Tautau Moga 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Daniel Alvaro 21. Andrew McCullough 22. Jaiyden Hunt 23. Jonathon Reuben 24. George Burgess
Analysis: A hamstring injury has sidelined Cody Ramsey and brought Mat Feagai into the side on the wing. Jaydn Su’A is suspended for his high shot on Dale Finucane, bringing Jack Gosiewski into the backrow and Aaron Woods onto the bench.
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