NTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v PENRITH PANTHERS
FRIDAY, APRIL 4th, 2025 CommBank Stadium, Sydney 5pm
A big boost for the reigning champions as Nathan Cleary returns to the No. 7 jersey after missing Round 4 due to a concussion. Youngster Casey McLean comes in on the wing to replace Brian To’o (hamstring), and with Scott Sorensen sidelined due to concussion, Isaiah Papali’i moves to the back row and Lindsay Smith is brought into the starting lineup at prop. Matt Eisenhuth is the new addition to the bench.
Panthers
1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Casey McLean , 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i , 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Brad Schneider 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry, 17. Luke Garner Reserves: 18. Blaize Talagi 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Luron Patea 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Jesse McLean
Coach Todd Payten has decided to stick with the same 17-man squad that secured the club’s first win of the season against the Raiders. Prop Griffin Neame, who was substituted as a precaution due to a hamstring issue in last week’s Raiders game, has now fully recovered and is fit to play. Centre Zac Laybutt, who has been recovering from an ACL injury and playing in the Queensland Cup over the past month, is named among the reserves as he aims to make his first NRL appearance since Round 5 last year. Additionally, young halfback Thomas Duffy and hooker Karl Lawton are also listed in the reserves.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo , 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess Reserves: 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Thomas Duffy 21. Karl Lawton 22. Thomas Mikaele
Referee. Peter Gough ,Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski ,Bunker, Gerard Sutton
Tip, The Panthers faced significant difficulties without Nathan Cleary in their loss to the Rabbitohs last week, while the Cowboys secured their first win of the season against the Raiders. With Cleary returning from his concussion layoff, he will rely heavily on his teammates to help restore the Panthers’ push for the title.
The Panthers have lost three of their past four games at CommBank Stadium.
The Cowboys have won three of their past five games against the Panthers.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary requires 14 points to break the club’s all-time scoring record.
The Cowboys have lost all three games at CommBank Stadium.
Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo will make his 250th NRL appearance.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Accor Stadium, Sydney,7pm
The in-form Jye Gay retains his position at fullback, while Latrell Mitchell returns from a hamstring injury to play at centre. Isaiah Tass shifts to the wing to take the place of Alex Johnston (ribs). Lachlan Hubner returns from suspension to start at lock, prompting Tallis Duncan to move to the bench and Liam Le Blanc to be named 18th man.
Rabbits
1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Mikaele Ravalawa , 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale Reserves: 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Fletcher Myers 20. Lewis Dodd 21. Salesi Ataata 22. Thomas Fletcher
Hooker Connor Watson (concussion) and bench forward Salesi Foketi (suspension) return to the squad, resulting in Zach Dockar-Clay moving to the bench and Hugo Savala being omitted. Lindsay Collins is named to start at prop, with Spencer Leniu shifting to the bench. Nat Butcher steps into the lock position, replacing Victor Radley (cheekbone).
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia, 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson , 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Nat Butcher Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu Reserves: 18. Hugo Savala, 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Ethan King 21. Billy Smith 22. Taylor Losalu
Referee, Adam Gee, Touch Judges, David Munro, Matt Noyen, Bunker, Grant Atkins
Tip, The Rabbitohs delivered a strong first-half performance against the Panthers last week, while the Roosters struggled in the second half, allowing the Titans to come from behind and claim victory. Both sides will be highly motivated for this fierce rivalry, but it’s clear that the Rabbitohs are in better form at the moment.
Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Roosters at Accor Stadium.
Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored five tries in his last three games against the Rabbitohs.
The Rabbitohs have lost their last four games against the Roosters.
Roosters hooker Connor Watson will reach the milestone of 150 NRL games.
Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell has scored four tries in his last six games against the Roosters.
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