The Panthers have made a stunning call, resting a staggering amount of first grade regulars while the Sharks have received a big boost.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 28

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium, 7.50pm AEST

Bulldogs team:

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Bronson Xerri

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Marcelo Montoya

6. Matt Burton

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Samuel Hughes

11. Josh Curran

12. Jacob Preston

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Sitili Tupouniua

16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita

17. Reed Mahoney

19. Enari Tuala

20. Kurtis Morrin

21. Lipoi Hopoi

22. Jake Turpin

23. Toby Sexton

Analysis: Viliame Kikau has been hospitalised after succumbing to a skin infection, with Josh Curran the man to slot into the back row. Harry Hayes has also dropped out of the side due to a hamstring injury, with Daniel Suluka-Fifita joining the pine.

Panthers team:

1. Daine Laurie

2. Jesse McLean

3. Sione Fonua

4. David Fale

5. Paul Alamoti

6. Jack Cole

7. Brad Schneider

8. Luron Patea

9. Luke Sommerton

10. Austin Dias

11. Zac Lipowicz

12. Mavrik Geyer

13. Matt Eisenhuth

14. Soni Luke

15. Preston Riki

16. Riley Price

17. Billy Phillips

18. Billy Scott

19. Niko Apelu

20. Asu Kepaoa

21. Riley Wake

22. Jaxen Edgar

Analysis: Who saw this one coming? Ivan Cleary has rested 16 players this week, with Brad Schneider the only man remaining from the team that went down to the Raiders last week. A host of players get first grade opportunities in the wake of Penrith’s move, with NSW Cup regulars Austin Dias, Luke Sommerton, Austin Dias, Matt Eisenhuth and Mavrik Geyer starting in the forward pack alongside Luron Patea who returned to NSW Cup last week but has featured in first grade this season. Daine Laurie has been named at fullback while Jack Cole and Schneider make up the halves, with Paul Alamoti, who scored a double in last year’s grand final, named on the wing. John Fonua, David Fale, Zac Lipowicz and Billy Phillips will make their NRL debuts while Dias and Riley price make their club debuts in a proud moment for those six players. It’s a bold decision by Cleary, and while pundits and fans may not agree with it, the Panthers coach clearly is focused on winning a fifth-straight premiership. However, Penrith will have to go the long route this time after they dropped out of contention for the top four following their loss to the Raiders. The top four grants teams a double chance, meaning you can lose in the first week and still have an opportunity to proceed to the preliminary finals. While it may not provide the best contest for spectators against a talented Bulldogs side, the next crop of Panthers star could be unearthed in this clash.

FRIDAY AUGUST 29

New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels at Go Media Stadium, 6.00pm AEST

Warriors team:

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Adam Pompey

4. Rocco Berry

5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Tanah Boyd

8. James Fisher-Harris

9. Wayde Egan

10. Demitric Vaimauga

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Marata Niukore

13. Erin Clark

14. Te Maire Martin

15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

16. Tanner Stowers-Smith

17. Leka Halasima

18. Taine Tuaupiki

20. Samuel Healey

21. Bunty Afoa

22. Kalani Going

23. Edward Kosi

Analysis: No changes to the 17 that got the job done against the Titans. Demitric Vaimauga could revert to the bench come game day as was the case last week.

Eels team:

1. Isaiah Iongi

2. Zac Lomax

3. Viliami Penisini

4. Dylan Brown

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Joash Papali’i

7. Mitchell Moses

8. J’maine Hopgood

9. Ryley Smith

10. Junior Paulo

11. Kelma Tuilagi

12. Jack Williams

13. Dylan Walker

14. Tallyn Da Silva

15. Matt Doorey

16. Charlie Guymer

17. Jordan Samrani

18. Sean Russell

19. Dean Hawkins

20. Dan Keir

21. Toni Mataele

22. Joey Lussick

Analysis: Jason Ryles also has the luxury of naming an unchanged side, with Sean Russell slotting into 18th man as he eyes a return from a hand injury.

Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park, 8.05pm AEST

Storm team:

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. Kane Bradley

3. Marion Seve

4. Grant Anderson

5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown

6. Cameron Munster

7. Tyran Wishart

8. Stefano Utoikamanu

9. Bronson Garlick

10. Alec MacDonald

11. Shawn Blore

12. Joe Chan

13. Trent Loiero

14. Jonah Pezet

15. Ativalu Lisati

16. Lazarus Vaalepu

17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

18. Sualauvi Faalogo

19. Josiah Pahulu

20. William Warbrick

21. Keagan Russell-Smith

22. Angus Hinchey

Analysis: All eyes were on the Panthers mass restings, and Craig Bellamy’s move to give key players a breather slipped under the radar. Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney, Eli Katoa and Josh King were all rested, which could mean the likes of Ryan Papenhuyze, Cameron Munster and Trent Loeiro get their time off next round. Regardless, Nelson Asofa-Solomona now gets a big opportunity to cement a spot back in the Storm 17, while Bronson Garlick has been named to take the No.9 jersey after Harry Grant was handed a two-game ban. Bellamy won’t be too bothered by Grant’s sanction as it gave him a forced break and Garlick is a more than capable replacement. Shawn Blore returns from an ankle injury in the back row while Kane Bradley and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown have been named on the wings, with Grant Anderson shifting into the centres.

Roosters team:

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Sandon Smith

7. Hugo Savala

8. Spencer Leniu

9. Connor Watson

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Angus Crichton

12. Victor Radley

13. Naufahu Whyte

14. Benaiah Ioelu

15. Egan Butcher

16. Salesi Foketi

17. Siua Wong

18. Ethan King

19. Blake Steep

20. Toby Rodwell

21. Tom Rodwell

22. Taylor Losalu

Analysis: One half out and another in with Sandon Smith replacing Sam Walker, who is sidelined due to a head knock. Daniel Tupou is also a straight swap for Junior Tupou on the wing after he sat out due to a concussion.

SATURDAY AUGUST 30

Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium, 3.00pm AEST

Raiders team:

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Savelio Tamale

3. Matthew Timoko

4. Sebastian Kris

5. Jed Stuart

6. Ethan Strange

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Josh Papali’i

9. Tom Starling

10. Joseph Tapine

11. Hudson Young

12. Zac Hosking

13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Owen Pattie

15. Simi Sasagi

16. Morgan Smithies

17. Ata Mariota

18. Noah Martin

19. Manaia Waitere

20. Danny Levi

21. Trey Mooney

22. Ethan Sanders

Analysis: With Xavier Savage sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury, Savelio Tamale makes a timely return on the wing from a knee injury in the only change for the Raiders.

Tigers team:

1. Jahream Bula

2. Sunia Turuva

3. Taylan May

4. Starford To’a

5. Jeral Skelton

6. Jarome Luai

7. Latu Fainu

8. Terrell May

9. Apisai Koroisau

10. Fonua Pole

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Sione Fainu

13. Alex Twal

14. Heath Mason

15. Royce Hunt

16. Charlie Murray

17. Tony Sukkar

18. Heamasi Makasini

19. Kit Laulilii

20. Krystian Mapapalangi

21. Tristan Hope

22. Brent Naden

Analysis: Latu Fainu fills the hole left by Adam Doueihi after he suffered a nasty facial injury in Round 25. Heath Mason gets the nod as Benji Marshall’s utility, while Starford To’o has been named despite nursing a shoulder injury which sees Brent Naden drop to the extended bench while young gun Heamasi Makasini has been named 18th man.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles at Jubilee Stadium, 5.30pm AEST

Dragons team:

1. Clinton Gutherson

2. Christian Tuipulotu

3. Hayden Buchanan

4. Mathew Feagai

5. Tyrell Sloan

6. Lyhkan King-Togia

7. Kyle Flanagan

8. Emre Guler

9. Damien Cook

10. David Klemmer

11. Jacob Halangahu

12. Jaydn Su’A

13. Jack de Belin

14. Jacob Liddle

15. Luciano Leilua

16. Hame Sele

17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

18. Ben Murdoch-Masila

19. Corey Allan

20. Lachlan Ilias

21. Nathan Lawson

22. Blake Lawrie

Analysis: Jaydn Su’A (knee), Jack de Belin (concussion) and Hame Sele (concussion) all return for the Dragons this week, which sees Ben Murdoch-Masila drop out of the side and Luciano Leilua shift to the bench. Damien Cook has been named at hooker, while Tyrell Sloan has been recalled in place of Corey Allan.

Sea Eagles team:

1. Tom Trbojevic

2. Jason Saab

3. Tolutau Koula

4. Tommy Talau

5. Lehi Hopoate

6. Luke Brooks

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Matthew Lodge

9. Jake Simpkin

10. Siosiua Taukeiaho

11. Corey Waddell

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jazz Tevaga

14. Aaron Schoupp

15. Caleb Navale

16. Ethan Bullemor

17. Toafofoa Sipley

18. Joey Walsh

19. Clayton Faulalo

20. Michael Chee Kam

21. Simione Laiafi

22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Analysis: No changes for the Sea Eagles after a stellar win against the Dolphins. Once again, rising star Joey Walsh has been named as Anthony Seibold’s replacement player.

‘Not a 7’ – Matty backs Galvin to lock | 01:51

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7.35pm AEST

Cowboys team:

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Semi Valemei

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Viliami Vailea

5. Braidon Burns

6. Jake Clifford

7. Tom Dearden

8. Jordan McLean

9. Reece Robson

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. John Bateman

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Zac Laybutt

15. Karl Lawton

16. Harrison Edwards

17. Thomas Mikaele

18. Kai O’Donnell

19. Marly Bitungane

20. Nicholas Lenaz

21. Jaxson Paulo

22. Kaiden Lahrs

Analysis: After a stunning comeback win over the Wests Tigers, coach Todd Payten has named an unchanged 17. Young guns Emarly Bitungane and Nicholas Lenaz have been named on the reserves list. Both have made their NRL debut this season.

Broncos team:

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Deine Mariner

6. Billy Walters

7. Ben Hunt

8. Corey Jensen

9. Cory Paix

10. Payne Haas

11. Jaiyden Hunt

12. Jordan Riki

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Tyson Smoothy

15. Kobe Hetherington

16. Ben Talty

17. Brendan Piakura

18. Jesse Arthars

19. Fletcher Baker

20. Delouise Hoeter

21. Jock Madden

22. Adam Reynolds

Analysis: Captain Adam Reynolds has been named in the extended squad as he nears his return from the hamstring injury he picked up in Round 23 against Melbourne. Forward Brendan Piakura is back from concussion on the interchange while Jesse Arthars shifts to 18th man.

SUNDAY AUGUST 31

Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights at Sharks Stadium, 2.00pm AEST

Sharks team:

1. William Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Mawene Hiroti

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Toby Rudolf

11. Billy Burns

12. Teig Wilton

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Hohepa Puru

15. Siosifa Talakai

16. Thomas Hazelton

17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

18. Daniel Atkinson

19. Tuku Hau Tapuha

20. Jayden Berrell

21. Samuel Stonestreet

22. Niwhai Puru

Analysis: Centre KL Iro returns from a pectoral injury for the Sharks. That sees Siosifa Talakai drop to the interchange. Jesse Colquhoun is the new lock forward with Cam McInnes out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Braden Hamlin-Uele joins the interchange with Tuku Hau Tapuha dropping to the reserves.

Knights team:

1. Dane Gagai

2. Dominic Young

3. James Schiller

4. Bradman Best

5. Fletcher Hunt

6. Jakob Arthur

7. Jack Cogger

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Leo Thompson

11. Jermaine McEwen

12. Kai Pearce-Paul

13. Tyson Frizell

14. Jayden Brailey

15. Mathew Croker

16. Thomas Cant

17. Elijah Leaumoana

18. Greg Marzhew

19. Jack Hetherington

20. Matthew Arthur

21. Connor Votano

22. Lachlan Crouch

Analysis: Coach Adam O’Brien has selected an unchanged 17 with winger Greg Marzhew picked as the 18th man. Marzhew pulled out late from the clash against the Broncos last Sunday due to a back injury.

Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, 4.05pm AEST

Dolphins team:

1. Trai Fuller

2. Jamayne Isaako

3. Jake Averillo

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

5. Tevita Naufahu

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Francis Molo

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Felise Kaufusi

11. Connelly Lemuelu

12. Oryn Keeley

13. Kurt Donoghoe

14. Aublix Tawha

15. Ray Stone

16. Mark Nicholls

17. Josh Kerr

18. Kenny Bromwich

19. LJ Nonu

20. James Walsh

21. Peter Hola

22. John Fineanganofo

Analysis: Kodi Nikorima is back in the team in the No.6 after he pulled out just prior to last week’s game because of illness. Therefore Jake Averillo moves to the centres, while Max Feagai drops out of the squad altogether. Connelly Lemuelu has been named in the second row, replacing Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Aublix Tawha comes into the team on the interchange.

Titans team:

1. AJ Brimson

2. Jaylan De Groot

3. Brian Kelly

4. Jojo Fifita

5. Phillip Sami

6. Kieran Foran

7. Jayden Campbell

8. Moeaki Fotuaika

9. Sam Verrills

10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

11. Chris Randall

12. Beau Fermor

13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

14. Keano Kini

15. Klese Haas

16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui

17. Josh Patston

18. Tukimihia Simpkins

19. Sean Mullany

20. Cooper Bai

21. Carter Gordon

22. Tony Francis

Analysis: Coach Des Hasler has picked an unchanged side despite his team suffering a comfortable defeat to the Warriors in Round 25. Former Wallaby Carter Gordon has been named in the extended squad. Gordon has had two outings for Ipswich as he comes back from a spinal injury. Cooper Bai, who is the son of Storm legend Marcus Bai, is also in the reserves.

Bye: South Sydney Rabbitohs