Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards ruled out for Round 21
Panthers and Eels face changes for Round 21 clash
The Penrith Panthers will be without fullback Dylan Edwards for their Round 21 NRL Telstra Premiership match against the Parramatta Eels. Edwards sustained a head cut during the previous week’s game against the Broncos, which required 10 stitches. His absence necessitates a reshuffle in the Panthers’ backline for the upcoming fixture at CommBank Stadium on Thursday at 7:50 pm.
Thomas Jenkins is set to replace Edwards at fullback for the Panthers. This change will see Paul Alamoti shift to the wing, and Izack Tago will come into the centre position. Additionally, Jaxen Edgar has been added to the Panthers’ bench. Hooker Freddy Lussick will continue in his starting role for the eleventh consecutive game, as Mitch Kenny is still a few weeks away from returning due to a leg injury. Winger Brian To’o is also approaching a significant milestone, needing one try to reach a century of tries in the NRL.
The Eels will see the return of key players for their encounter with the Panthers. Star playmaker Mitchell Moses is back after recovering from a corked thigh, marking his 13th game of the season. Five-eighth Ronald Volkman, who suffered a head knock in the game against the Roosters before the bye, has successfully cleared concussion protocols and is cleared to play. Luca Moretti also returns from a concussion and will be on the bench. Will Penisini remains in the squad and has a chance to return from Osteitis Pubis, an injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 9.
Squad adjustments across other fixtures
Other teams in Round 21 have also made significant adjustments to their lineups. The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been forced into a major reshuffle for their crucial match against the Storm. This follows the suspension of David Fifita and injuries to Cameron Murray and Tallis Duncan. Goalkicking centre Latrell Siegwalt is set to play his seventh career game, while Lachlan Hubner will start at lock, and Liam Le Blanc is also in line for a call-up.
In another notable change, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has recalled experienced playmaker Jake Clifford. Clifford will partner Tom Dearden in the halves for their highly anticipated showdown against the Broncos at a sold-out Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Newcastle Knights will also see changes for their Friday 6:00 pm match against the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium. Veteran centre Dane Gagai is out due to calf tightness, with the versatile Fletcher Hunt stepping into the No.3 jersey. Cody Hopwood returns from a calf injury and will be on the bench, while Sandon Smith is named in the No.14 position. The Knights have a strong home record, having won their last five games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Roosters will welcome back captain James Tedesco, who returns from concussion, and centre Rob Toia, who was rested after the Origin series last week. Cody Ramsey and Hugo Savala will move within the squad. These changes highlight the ongoing adjustments teams are making as the NRL Telstra Premiership Round 21 progresses.
In the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Round 21, teams have also been announced. The round begins with a Friday afternoon double-header, featuring the Newcastle Knights hosting the Sydney Roosters, followed by the Parramatta Eels taking on the competition leaders, the Penrith Panthers. Three matches are scheduled for Saturday, including the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs against the Warriors at 1:15 pm. The round concludes on Sunday with the Sea Eagles hosting the Newtown Jets and the North Sydney Bears playing the St George Illawarra Dragons. All games in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup can be watched live on BarTV Sports.
The Panthers’ NSW Cup team will feature Jaxen Edgar at fullback and Keahn Skipps at five-eighth. For the Eels in the NSW Cup, Will Penisini, Jonah Pezet, Damascus Neemia, Jackson Koina, and Max Fuimaono Popo are listed as ins. The Knights’ NSW Cup side sees Toby Winter as an inclusion, while the Roosters welcome Jaxson Allen, Kanaan Magele, Rex Bassingthwaighte, and Tommy Talau. The Bulldogs’ NSW Cup team has Finau Latu, Jake Turpin, Joseph Teaupa, and Nick O’Meley listed as ins, and the Warriors’ NSW Cup side includes Eddie Ieremia-Toeava.
Match officials for the Eels versus Panthers game include referee Gerard Sutton, touch judge Kasey Badger, and senior review official Ashley Klein. For the Knights versus Roosters match, Wyatt Raymond will serve as referee, with Drew Oultram and Belinda Sharpe as touch judges, and Chris Butler as the senior review official.
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Source: nrl.com
