Round 16 team lists: Panthers rest their five Origin stars as Souths receive triple boost for crucial Storm clash

News.com.au

7 hours ago

Penrith will be missing more than 850 games of experience on Saturday evening after Panthers coach Ivan Cleary decided to rest his State of Origin quintet for the trip to New Zealand to take on the Warriors.
While NSW squad member Lindsay Smith will make the trip from Perth to Auckland, Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo won't be asked to make the gruelling trip just days after the Origin clash.
It's a massive blow for the four-time defending premiers, but Cleary has still managed to name a strong side with Daine Laurie to start at fullback, Paul Alamoti on the wing, Brad Schneider at halfback, with Matt Eisenhuth at lock.
The Knights are in a much more enviable position given their game against the Dolphins is in Perth, which means Kalyn Ponga will likely suit up this time along with the returning Bradman Best and Dom Young who rejoined the club this week.
South Sydney could receive a triple boost with Latrell Mitchell picked to play on Saturday, while veterans Cody Walker and Campbell Graham have been named on the extended bench as they eye early returns from injury.
They face the Storm who have named all of their Origin stars, although coach Craig Bellamy will make a final call later in the week depending on how they pull up.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has left Selwyn Cobbo in the reserves with Josiah Karapani keeping his spot on the wing for the showdown with the Sharks who have named Siosifa Talakai at left centre as they deal with a shortage of outside backs.
Jason Ryles has been forced to name another new halves pairing with experienced duo Mitch Moses (injury) and Dylan Brown (suspended) both unavailable for Sunday's game against the Titans.
Joash Papalii and Dean Hawkins will combine in the halves against a Titans side that features its Queensland forwards as well as David Fifita who has been named 18th man and could be a late inclusion.
Benji Marshall welcomes back a couple of key forwards at the Tigers with Fonua Pole and Alex Twal to start against a Raiders side that features Jed Stuart on debut.
And the Roosters have had to make a few changes to the pack with Victor Radley and Egan Butcher both unavailable.
Salesi Foketi starts at lock, with their five Origin players all set to back up against the Cowboys who have also named their rep stars.