Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic are set to make their return from injury with everything on the line in the opening week of the NRL finals.
Cleary sat out the last three weeks of the regular season but coach Ivan Cleary said his son is fit and ready to go in Friday's qualifying final against the Roosters.
"He's 100 per cent," Cleary said. "This was always our plan to play him this week, the stakes have moved up. We always want to pick our best team and he's ready this week. Rehab has gone really well and he's feeling really confident."
See all the late mail, official team news and updates ahead of Week 1 of the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership finals series.
NRL Late Mail: Finals Week 1
Panthers v Roosters, Friday 7.50pm at BlueBet Stadium
Panthers: Coach Ivan Cleary confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that son Nathan is ready to return from a shoulder injury and will line up in Friday's final. The comeback sees Jarome Luai shift to five-eighth and Brad Schneider drop out of the 17.
Roosters: Wingers Dominic Young and Daniel Tupou are set to return after they missed last week's win over South Sydney, with Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher also returning to the side on Friday night. Former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase has shifted to the reserves and coach Trent Robinson said he likely won't feature on Friday night. The coach also said on Thursday morning that all four returning players will line up as planned at BlueBet Stadium.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i
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Centre for Panthers is number 4 Paul AlamotiCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic Young
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
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Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sandon Smith
Forwards
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Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Roosters is number 8 Spencer Leniu
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Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor Watson
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Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
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Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Roosters is number 13 Nat Butcher
Interchange
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Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Trent ToelauInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Zach Dockar-Clay
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Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay SmithInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Naufahu Whyte
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Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam HenryInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Siua Wong
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Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke GarnerInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May
Reserves
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Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Matthew EisenhuthReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Michael Jennings
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Reserve for Panthers is number 19 Brad SchneiderReserve for Roosters is number 19 Blake Steep
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Reserve for Panthers is number 20 Casey McLeanReserve for Roosters is number 20 Mark Nawaqanitawase
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Reserve for Panthers is number 21 Daine LaurieReserve for Roosters is number 21 Jake Elliott
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Reserve for Panthers is number 22 Luke SommertonReserve for Roosters is number 22 Salesi Foketi
Panthers Ins
- Daine Laurie
- Luke Sommerton
- Matthew Eisenhuth
- Nathan Cleary
Roosters Ins
- Daniel Tupou
- Dominic Young
- Jake Elliott
- Lindsay Collins
- Nat Butcher
- Salesi Foketi
Panthers Outs
Roosters Ins
- De La Salle Va'a
- Fetalaiga Pauga
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Storm v Sharks, Saturday 4.05pm at AAMI Park
Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen is looking to overcome a lower leg injury in time to feature in Saturday's qualifying final, with Sualauvi Faalogo unavailable due to a hamstring injury suffered last weekend. Christian Welch looks set to return from illness after missing last week.
Sharks: Tom Hazelton is in doubt after picking up a knee injury last weekend and has shifted back to the reserves. Oregon Kaufusi shapes as his replacement after being rested in Round 27 and is set to start on Saturday, with Royce Hunt shifting to the bench.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
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Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
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Centre for Storm is number 3 Jack HowarthCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
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Centre for Storm is number 4 Nick MeaneyCentre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
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Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
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Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
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Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes
Forwards
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Prop for Storm is number 8 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaProp for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
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Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
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Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh KingProp for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
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2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
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Lock for Storm is number 13 Trent LoieroLock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes
Interchange
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Interchange for Storm is number 14 Tyran WishartInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Daniel Atkinson
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Interchange for Storm is number 15 Christian WelchInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Jack Williams
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Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Royce Hunt
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Interchange for Storm is number 17 Alec MacDonaldInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Siosifa Talakai
Reserves
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Replacement for Storm is number 18 Grant AndersonReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Braden Hamlin-Uele
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Reserve for Storm is number 19 Lazarus VaalepuReserve for Sharks is number 19 Chris Vea'ila
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Reserve for Storm is number 20 Kane BradleyReserve for Sharks is number 20 Jayden Berrell
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Reserve for Storm is number 21 Joe ChanReserve for Sharks is number 21 Samuel Stonestreet
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Reserve for Storm is number 22 Ativalu LisatiReserve for Sharks is number 22 Thomas Hazelton
Storm Ins
- Ativalu Lisati
- Christian Welch
- Joe Chan
- Kane Bradley
- Ryan Papenhuyzen
Sharks Ins
- Braden Hamlin-Uele
- Chris Vea'ila
- Oregon Kaufusi
- Samuel Stonestreet
Storm Outs
- Sualauvi Faalogo
Sharks Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Cowboys v Knights, Saturday 7.50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Cowboys: North Queensland coach Todd Payten has confirmed Jordan McLean will be right to take his place in the side after sitting out last week's game with a hamstring injury. Thomas Mikaele has dropped out of the 17 as a result, with Sam McIntyre reverting to the bench.
Knights: Adam O'Brien is weighing up a late change to his halves after Tyson Gamble made a successful return from injury last week. The playmaker has been named in jumper No.14 as the bench utility but is a chance of starting on Saturday night. The coach also confirmed Kai Pearce-Paul is on track to line up at Queensland Country Bank Stadium after naming him on the extended bench. Jacob Saifiti is at least another week away.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
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Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle FeldtWinger for Knights is number 2 Fletcher Sharpe
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Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine HolmesCentre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
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Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Viliami VaileaCentre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
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Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray TaulagiWinger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
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Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom DeardenFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jack Cogger
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Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake CliffordHalfback for Knights is number 7 Phoenix Crossland
Forwards
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Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLeanProp for Knights is number 8 Daniel Saifiti
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Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
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Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson
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2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell
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2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Dylan Lucas
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Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Knights is number 13 Adam Elliott
Interchange
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Sam McIntyreInterchange for Knights is number 14 Tyson Gamble
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Harrison EdwardsInterchange for Knights is number 15 Mat Croker
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Kulikefu FinefeuiakiInterchange for Knights is number 16 Jack Hetherington
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin NeameInterchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie Jones
Reserves
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Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Jaxon PurdueReplacement for Knights is number 18 Thomas Cant
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Reserve for Cowboys is number 19 Chad TownsendReserve for Knights is number 19 Will Pryce
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Reserve for Cowboys is number 20 Thomas MikaeleReserve for Knights is number 20 Jackson Hastings
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Reserve for Cowboys is number 21 Marly BitunganeReserve for Knights is number 21 Kyle McCarthy
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Reserve for Cowboys is number 22 Tom ChesterReserve for Knights is number 22 Kai Pearce-Paul
Cowboys Ins
- Chad Townsend
- Jordan McLean
- Marly Bitungane
- Tom Chester
Knights Ins
- Jackson Hastings
- Kai Pearce-Paul
- Kyle McCarthy
- Will Pryce
Cowboys Outs
Knights Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Bulldogs v Sea Eagles, Sunday 4.05pm at Accor Stadium
Bulldogs: Five-eighth Matt Burton is on track to return after progressing through the NRL's concussion protocols, with Bronson Xerri and Jeral Skelton also back on deck. Canterbury will be without Josh Addo-Carr who has stood himself down this weekend.
Sea Eagles: Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans has declared Tom Trbojevic is a certainty to return from a shoulder injury for the Sea Eagles on Sunday afternoon. Winger Jason Saab remains at least a week away, with Tolu Koula moving to centre and Tommy Talau shifting back to the wing. Corey Waddell is in the mix to return from suspension after being named on the extended bench.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor TraceyFullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Tom Trbojevic
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob KirazWinger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Tommy Talau
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson XerriCentre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Tolutau Koula
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Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Reuben Garrick
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Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Jeral SkeltonWinger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Lehi Hopoate
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Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt BurtonFive-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Luke Brooks
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Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby SextonHalfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans
Forwards
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max KingProp for Sea Eagles is number 8 Taniela Paseka
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Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Lachlan Croker
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Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel HughesProp for Sea Eagles is number 10 Matthew Lodge
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu
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2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Karl Lawton
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Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman SalmonLock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey HaywardInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Ben Trbojevic
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Kurtis MorrinInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Josh Aloiai
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Harry HayesInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Ethan Bullemor
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Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Josh CurranInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Nathan Brown
Reserves
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Replacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Blake TaaffeReplacement for Sea Eagles is number 18 Clayton Faulalo
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Lipoi HopoiReserve for Sea Eagles is number 19 Jamie Humphreys
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Jonathan SuaReserve for Sea Eagles is number 20 Toafofoa Sipley
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Drew HutchisonReserve for Sea Eagles is number 21 Gordon Chan Kum Tong
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Reserve for Bulldogs is number 23 Chris PatoloReserve for Sea Eagles is number 22 Corey Waddell
Bulldogs Ins
- Bronson Xerri
- Chris Patolo
- Jeral Skelton
- Lipoi Hopoi
- Matt Burton
Sea Eagles Ins
- Corey Waddell
- Gordon Chan Kum Tong
- Jamie Humphreys
- Tom Trbojevic
Bulldogs Outs
- Eli Clark
Sea Eagles Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated: