The decision by Ivan Cleary to allow Nathan Cleary to play in the opening week of the finals is a major win for the defending premiers.
After his team’s match against the Rabbitohs, the outstanding center is sidelined with an injury, which means the Roosters will have to wait anxiously.
The Knights, meanwhile, might end up being added to the back row later than planned.
Sydney Roosters vs. Penrith Panthers, 7:50 p.m. AEST at BlueBet Stadium
Sunia Turuva and Dylan Edwards lead the Panthers’ squad. 3. Izack Tago Paul Alamoti, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, and Mitch Kenny are the first nine. 10. James Harris Fisher 11. Lindsay Smith, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Trent Toelau, 15. Scott Sorensen Luke Sommerton, age 22, Daine Laurie, age 21, Casey McLean, age 17, Liam Henry, age 18, Matt Eisenhuth, age 19, Brad Schneider, age 20,
Players cut:
Early Mail: Ivan Cleary has disclosed that Nathan Cleary, who has recovered from his shoulder injury, will play against the Roosters. According to Jelisa Apps of 7News, the gun halfback is cleared to play without taking pain medication.
James Tedesco leads the Roosters team. 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Young Dominic 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Watson, Connor 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Angus Crichton Zach Dockar-Clay, 14. 15. Siua Wong 16. Naufahu Whyte 17. Michael Jennings; 18. Terrell May 19. Blake Steep 20. Salesi Foketi 21. Jake Elliott 22. Mark Nawaqanitawase
Players cut:
Early Mail: It has been claimed that the Roosters are concerned about star center Joseph Suaalii’s fitness. The young gun suffered a neck injury in the dying minutes of the Tricolours’ battle with the Rabbitohs according to WWOS. Should he be ruled out, Michael Jennings or Sitili Tupouniua might be called into the centres.
TUESDAY
Cronulla Sharks against. Melbourne Storm, AAMI Park, 4:05 p.m.
Ryan Papenhuyzen leads the storm squad. 2. Cameron Munster; 3. Jack Howarth; 4. Nick Meaney; 5. Xavier Coates; 6. William Warbrick 7. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 8. Jahrome Hughes 9. Christian Welch 16. Tui Kamikamica 11. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Harry Grant 10. 17. Grant Anderson 18. Alec MacDonald 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Joe Chan; 21. Kane Bradley; 22. Ativalu Lisati
Players cut:
Pre-mail: On the way.
Team for the Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Katoa Sione 3. Ramien Jesse 4. Ronaldo Mulitalo 5. Kayal Iro 6. Toby Rudolf 7. Blayke Brailey 8. Nicho Hynes 9. Braydon Trindall 10. Teig Wilton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Oregon Kaufusi 13. Daniel Atkinson 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Royce Hunt 18. 19. Jayden Berrell 20. Chris Veaila 21. Thomas Hazelton; 22. Samuel Stonestreet
Players cut:
Pre-mail: On the way.
Newcastle Knights vs. North Queensland Cowboys, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7:50 p.m.
Team for the Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes; 2. Kyle Feldt; and 1. Scott Drinkwater 4. Vailea Viliami 5. Taulagi Murray 6. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 7. Jake Clifford 10. Taumalolo Jason 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jeremiah Nanai 15. Griffin Neame 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Harrison Edwards 18. Chad Townsend 19. Jaxon Purdue 20. Marly Bitungane 21. Thomas Mikaele 22. Tomas Chester
Players cut:
Pre-mail: On the way.
Team Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Bradman Best; 4. Dane Gagai 5. Marzhew, Greg 6. Jack Cogger 7. Crossland in Phoenix 8. Jayden Brailey 9. Daniel Saifiti 10. Theo Thompson 11. Adam Elliott 12. Dylan Lucas 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Andrew Crocker 16. Brodie Jones 17. Thomas Cant 18. Will Pryce 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Jackson Hastings 22. Kai Pearce-Paul 21. Kyle McCarthy
Players cut:
Early Mail: Rower in back After missing many weeks due to a leg laceration, Kai Pearce-Paul might be a late addition.
SUNDAY
Manly Sea Eagles vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Accor Stadium, 4:05 p.m.
Team Bulldogs: 1. Stephen Crichton; 2. Jacob Kiraz; 3. Bronson Xerri; 1. Connor Tracey 5. Matt Burton; 6. Jeral Skelton 7. Reed Mahoney 8. Max King 9. Toby Sexton 10. A man named Samuel Hughes 11. Kikau Viliame 12. Preston Jacob 13. Salmon, Jaeman 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Blake Taaffe 19. Josh Curran 16. Harry Hayes 17. Kurtis Morrin 15. 20. Drew Hutchison 21. Jonathan Sua 22. Chris Patolo 23. Lipoi Hopoi
Players cut:
Pre-mail: On the way.
Tom Trbojevic leads the Sea Eagles team. 2. Tolutau Koula 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. The Hopoate Lehi 6. Luke Brooks 7. Cherry-Evans, Daly 8. Paseka Taniela Lachlan Croker, 9. 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Olakau’atu Haumole 12. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Nathan Brown Joel Faulalo 18. Jamie Humphreys 19. 20. Sipley Toafofoa 21. Kum Tong Gordon Chan Chan 22. Waddell, Corey
Players remove:
Pre-mail: On the way.
