The Wests Tigers have been dealt a significant blow with star five-eighth Jarome Luai ruled out of their clash against the Dragons after suffering delayed concussion symptoms.

It’s a major loss for the Tigers who are two wins outside the top eight and face a tricky trip to Kogarah against the bottom-placed Dragons.

Jock Madden replaces Luai in the halves, with Heamasi Makasini named in the centres after Taylan May suffered another serious shoulder injury.

There is some good news with Alex Twal returning at lock.

Halves Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam haven’t been named for the Broncos who will be without their Origin stars for the game against Cronulla.

Gehamat Shibasaki and Deine Mariner return to give their backline a boost, with Hayze Perham named at fullback as they look to avoid an eighth loss in a row.

Xavier Willison has been named in the squad, with the club’s medical team working with the NRL to get an exemption which would allow him to return to play inside the 11-day concussion stand-down period following a head knock last week.

Aublix Tawha has had surgery to repair a syndesmosis injury suffered during last week’s loss, with the Broncos expecting him to miss five weeks.

Scott Sorensen and Luke Garner will start in the back row for the Panthers who will be without their regular edge forwards, while the Rabbitohs get veteran Jack Wighton back from injury but have lost Alex Johnston for 2-3 weeks with a calf strain.

Jonah Pezet will play his first game for the Eels since round five after he was named in place of Blues star Mitch Moses, while Joey Walsh starts at five-eighth for Manly with Luke Brooks (ACL) to miss the rest of the season.

It’s been a frustrating year for Pezet who has battled injuries, suspension and has spent time in NSW Cup before he joins the Broncos next year.

And Brad Schneider will have to stand tall at halfback for the Dolphins with Isaiya Katoa (wrist) out, with Trai Fuller and Jake Averillo recalled to replace their Origin stars in the outside backs.

Originally published as Round 18 team lists: Wests Tigers lose Jarome Luai for Dragons clash as Broncos halves remain sidelined