The Panthers have made the extraordinary call to dump five-eighth Blaize Talagi with just six games remaining in the regular season.
Penrith’s left edge has become a huge target for opposition teams, with Parramatta going after Talagi and centre Casey McLean last week with great success.
Talagi missed seven tackles last week and has paid the price with coach Ivan Cleary dropping him to NSW Cup, with Jack Cogger set to start alongside Nathan Cleary against the Raiders this weekend.
“That’d be fair,” Ivan replied when asked if the left edge’s defence had been an ongoing issue after the Eels game.
“If they’ve been targeted for two years, we still remain the best defensive team. There were definitely some worries tonight, but on the balance, they can do better than that.”
It’s a huge call by the premiership favourites so close to the finals, but it gives Cleary enough time to see if this is the best squad to take them all the way.
Fullback Dylan Edwards (shoulder) remains sidelined, while hooker Owen Pattie is back from suspension for the Raiders.
Meanwhile, Benji Marshall has brought Adam Doueihi straight back into the starting side after a tumultuous week at the club that saw the star halfback sit out the Raiders game.
There had been calls for Doueihi to be demoted to reserve grade, but he’ll partner Jarome Luai in the halves with rookie Javon Andrews listed in the reserves.
His immediate return is a big boost to a team that has fallen off a cliff in recent months, with young gun Heamasi Makasini also back in the centres.
The Roosters have suffered a double blow with Billy Smith joining Daniel Tupou on the sidelines which sees Tommy Talau and Billy Smith form a new combo on the left edge.
Isaiya Katoa could be a late inclusion for the Dolphins after he was named on an extended bench, but there are no guarantees he’ll play as he continues to recover from a wrist injury.
There’s huge relief in Newcastle where Kalyn Ponga has been named to play after he missed the loss to the Roosters.
It’s a timely return with Dylan Brown and Dylan Lucas both out for the season, with Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith the new halves pairing for the trip to Brisbane where Deine Mariner shifts to centre to replace Gehamat Shibasaki.
Brandon Smith has been named at hooker for the Rabbitohs despite battling two calf issues, while Tallis Duncan could make an early return from injury for Sunday’s showdown with the Sharks.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad comes in for Taine Tuaupiki (foot) at the Warriors, while the Titans welcome back AJ Brimson and Kurtis Morrin.
And Trent Toelau has big boots to fill at the Storm after he was named to replace injured skipper Harry Grant at dummy-half, with young gun Hayden Watson in line to make his NRL debut after he was included on the bench.
Jack Howarth will also miss the game against the Bulldogs with Manaia Waitere recalled at centre.
Originally published as NRL teams: Panthers make bombshell call to axe Blaize Talagi as the Tigers bring Adam Doueihi straight back in after week from hell