Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has updated his squad for Thursday nightās match against South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium.
Fullback Dylan Edwards (sternum) and winger Taylan May (shoulder) return to the side after missing last weekās clash against the Storm, while Liam Martin (ankle) has been cleared of any injury concern.
However, Panthers interchange forward ā Scott Sorensen has been ruled out of the Round 23 clash with a minor calf complaint, with Jāmaine Hopgood taking his position.
Sunia Turuva will be the sideās 18th man, while Chris Smith remains in the 19-man squad.
I think Staines would be named to cover for Edwards and May who are returning from injury. If there is any concern they can be pulled from the field and have Staines step in. There is no need to risk players, they are in the box seat to finish in first on the ladder.
Yes thatās the answer but Why not have Turuva or Tom Jenkins filling the bench spotā¦Stephen Crichton could slot into full back if need be. I think Staines is one of those players who is too good for NSW cup but not really up to NRL levelā¦Robert Jennings falls into that category also. Anyways itās not that important is it? We are in a great position with three games to go and all the missing players on schedule to return for the finals. Go the Panthersš
Curious - I mentioned Falls a cpl weeks ago, still wonder why heās not in the side? SOS + Falls went through Origin period successfully. This would look a lot more potent side, leaving Salmon on the bench to provide his value as a ball running utility and provide cover for the back line if required. Surely heād be right to slot into centre (like Burton?) with Crichton to Fullback if there was a shuffle needed?
Keeping Falls in NSW Cup doesnāt bode well (to me) for contract renewal.
The score us probably a good reflection at half time. We had all the fire early, before Souths worked their way back in.
The main concern I have is that they have made plenty of line breaks by going to our edges. If we donāt fix our edge defence we could find ourselves letting in a large score in the second half.
I was wondering how theres constantly space outside our wing and why centres keep coming in. On one of the last trys there, SOS looked sluggish in defence and doesnt slide well. Kiks had to sprint around to make up for it and drew Tago in.
Api looks like our most potent attacking player
Some good signs though with the pack really stepping up at times and controlling the game.
Spencer played huge tonight which was great to see.
I bet N Cleary is kicking himself, he could have had a field day the last two games
Edwards, Edwards, Edwards
There is a lot to take out of that game but in my mind Edwards is the best FB in the game and his appearance last night was the difference.
he marshals players in defence and is always around the ball in attack.
he is quite a remarkable player
he wasnāt alone again and he needed some helpers last night and i have been a huge critic of Kenny but last night he was at his best, nothing brilliant as Api can bring but he was guiling and bruising in defence
and just on our defence, we attacked with our defence again and despite missing JFH and Sorenson our forwards made them look like second graders ably led by Yeo and a Martin who confounds with his robustness and his workload.
we had some glitches and some things we can fix but for mine it was a game we could have walked away with a lack of intent and ended up being lapped or turn up and have a dig.
they chose the latter and boy did they have a dig and great credit to all the boys
we didnāt just fall over the line to win the minor premiership, we took it and deserved it.
Congrats boys on all levels, you deserved last night and you all deserve the Minor Premiership.
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