All eyes on injured stars as Cleary contingency plan revealed
We’re down to the final four teams in the NRL and this weekend’s games promise to be absolute blockbusters to decide who makes the big dance.
Newcastle held on for a narrow victory on Sunday to continue a fairytale run, but will come up against a red-hot Panthers outfit in the preliminary finals.
Knights players celebrate a big win. Getty Images
On the other side of the draw, the Dolphins have enjoyed a week off and will be at full-strength for a tantalising clash with the star-studded Roosters.
While both matches are destined to deliver, all eyes will be on two wounded stars when the teams are unveiled on Tuesday afternoon.
On the flip-side, both the Dolphins and Knights don’t have any fresh headaches to deal with as they look to defy the odds and make the grand final.
All clubs will name a 22-man squad, which gets cut down to 19 by kick off.
Nine.com.au takes a look at the early team news for the grand final qualifiers.
Friday
Dolphins vs Sydney Roosters, Suncorp Stadium (7.50pm)
Dolphins predicted team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Flegler 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Gilbert 11. Max Plath 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Ray Stone 16. Francis Molo 17. Connelly Lemuelu 18. Felise Kaufusi 19. Jake Averillo
Dolphins team news: Tom Flegler (concussion) should be available after the week off, with no changes expected to the side that defeated the Warriors.
Roosters predicted team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Rob Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Angus Crichton 18. Hugo Savala 19. Cody Ramsey
Roosters team news: Sam Walker (ankle) is in line for a shock early return, just a month after suffering a syndesmosis injury most expected to end his season. Should the halfback be cleared to play, Hugo Savala will likely drop back to the six-man bench. The other option is shifting Savala to centre, where he played for much of the season, with Billy Smith making way. No other changes flagged at this stage for the Roosters after a dominant win over Cronulla, with veteran Daly Cherry-Evans avoiding suspension for a trip on Teig Wilton.
Sunday
Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights, Accor Stadium (4.05pm)
Panthers predicted team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Billy Phillips 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Billy Scott
Nathan Cleary is in doubt. Getty Images
Panthers team news: All eyes will be on Nathan Cleary (foot), who is dealing with a stress-related injury. The champion halfback is expected to be named in the No.7 jumper, but there’s no guarantee he will play. Jack Cogger (suspension) will return in the halves either way, but could partner Blaize Talagi or Jack Cole should the Penrith co-captain be ruled out. Talagi played centre against the Roosters, but the looming return of Paul Alamoti (hamstring) will see a change made. Izack Tago (knee) is also a chance of returning, but would be unlikely to earn a start.
Knights predicted team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Tyson Frizell 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Cody Hopwood 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Francis Manuleleua 13. Mat Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Lachlan Crouch 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Fletcher Hunt 19. Dylan Lucas
Knights team news: No changes expected after a dramatic win over the Warriors. Back-rower Dylan Lucas (ankle) returned off the bench and will likely remain there, while Kalyn Ponga passed his HIA after being taken from the field in the dying stages of Sunday’s match. Francis Manuleleua (elbow) is expected to push through the pain for the preliminary final in the hopes of an NRL premiership.
