The Storm have suffered an almighty blow with fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen to miss Thursday night’s grand final rematch against the Panthers after entering concussion protocols.

Papenhuyzen recently missed a month with a calf strain but was outstanding in last week’s win over the Broncos, with Nick Meaney shifting from right centre to replace him at the back.

The 2020 Clive Churchill Medal winner was enormous for the Storm in that grand final, with Melbourne’s top-two hopes set to take a huge hit if they lose on Thursday.

Melbourne’s backline crisis opens the door for Marion Seve to play just his third match in the past two seasons, with the centre fresh from scoring a hat-trick for North Sydney earlier this month.

They face an unchanged Panthers side, with coach Ivan Cleary confident that co-captain Isaah Yeo will return from a shoulder injury before the finals.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has turned to Ben Hunt and Billy Walters to play in the halves with regular pairing Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam both nursing hamstring injuries after a freak chase last week.

Cory Paix gets the nod at hooker for the game against the Dolphins which has major finals implications.

There’s mixed news for the Warriors as they try to keep in touch with the top four with Tanah Boyd brought back to replace Te Maire Martin, while they’ll also be missing veteran Kurt Capewell (concussion) but they do get back Wayde Egan.

Egan Butcher has been rewarded for his good form and will start in the back row in place of Siua Wong (concussion protocols) against a Bulldogs side that could welcome back fullback Connor Tracey from injury.

The Sharks have lost strike centre Jesse Ramien (broken thumb) for the rest of the season, while back-rower Briton Nikora will miss three matches due to suspension.

That sees Mawene Hiroti get a crack at right centre while Billy Burns has been promoted to the starting side for a game against the Titans who have lost Brian Kelly and Alofiana Khan-Pereira but welcome back Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Phil Sami and Mo Fotuaika.

Tom Trbojevic will remain at fullback even with Lehi Hopoate returning to the starting side for the clash against the Wests Tigers, while Jake Trbojevic won’t play as he deals with his latest head knock.

And young gun Connor Votano will make his NRL debut at fullback, with veteran Dane Gagai returning to right centre for Newcastle’s clash with the Cowboys who get Jordan McLean back from injury.

Originally published as Round 24 teams: Storm lose Ryan Papenhuyzen for grand final rematch as Broncos lock in their new halves