NRL Round 25 Teams: Panthers rest 12 players, KFC SuperCoach NRL analysis

The Panthers will rest 12 players in their final-round match against the Cowboys, but they aren’t the only club giving players a freshen-up. Find out who’s in and who’s out for round 25.

What’s the cost of losing out on the Dally M Medal for leading Penrith contenders Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo?

The price of a beer.

Edwards and Yeo are hot favourites to take out the game’s highest individual accolade but their chances have taken a hit after coach Ivan Cleary confirmed they, and 11 other starting players, will be rested for this weekend’s final-round clash against North Queensland.

“I’ll buy them a beer,” Cleary joked when asked about the duo potentially losing out on the award.

Backrower Yeo was on 17 points, only two votes behind leader Ben Hunt, when voting went behind closed doors after round 12, while Edwards was sitting on 13 points.

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Isaah Yeo will be rested for the Panthers’ final-round match against the Cowboys Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Both are enjoying career-best form at the foot of the mountains.

“I think they are both deserving of (the Dally M),” Cleary said. “It’s a hard one, the Dally M, because it’s a subjective opinion and you can only pick three guys on the field. All I know is those guys are an 8 out of 10 every week.

“Yeoy has been playing at a high level every week for a long time now. Both have had great seasons and are valuable for us.“

The mass changes mean Penrith fans will get a glimpse of the club’s rich talent pipeline with three debutants named on Tuesday, including prop Liam Henry, outside back Tom Jenkins and five-eighth Jake Cole.

Utility forward Mitch Kenny has been handed the captain’s armband.

“Mitch Kenny will be captain. It’s a great honour for him. He’s been really good for us this year. Played a couple of different roles. He’s a good team man, the guys like playing with him and the guys like having him around. His football is on the up,“ Cleary said.

Mitch Kenny will captain the Panthers this weekend. Picture: Toby Zerna

After sealing the minor premiership, Cleary believes the reigning title holders have earned the right to take advantage of an 11 day preparation for week one of the finals, which is likely to be a Friday night showdown against either Melbourne or Parramatta.

“We’ve earned that through a good season, we’ve had a really good year,” Cleary said.

“We’ve had a lot of challenges right from the start, being the Premiers, we feel like we have had every team come at us each week, the Origin period, we’ve had suspensions and injuries and navigated through that as well.”

The rested players won’t travel with the team but will hold a training session back home while the club’s second string outfit is up in Townsville.

“I think having a solid 11-day preparation going into the finals is going to put us in good stead to play well,“ Cleary said.

“You’ve got more days to work together, we haven’t had our halfback there for five weeks so that’s going to give Nathan (Cleary) and Jarome (Luai) a chance to work together.

Ivan Cleary is taking no chances with his stars before the finals. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“We don’t replicate a game (intensity) but sometimes we get a little close.”

While resting the starting squad might look like Cleary has written off the final round of the regular season, the coach is backing his makeshift outfit to beat the third-placed Cowboys.

“Absolutely, is it going to be difficult? Are we going to be big underdogs, yes we are,” Cleary said. “The Cowboys have had an outstanding season and are a really good team.

“But once you take the field, all you can do is your best and that is what we will be doing. We’ll be preparing to go up there and compete hard and find a way to win the game.

“We want to go up there and give this game a good shake.

ROUND 25 TEAMS

Eels v Storm

Thursday, 7.50pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Tom Opacic, 5. Waqa Blake, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Ryan Matterson

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Jakob Arthur, 16. Oregon Kaufusi, 17. Marata Niukore

Reserves: 18. Ofahiki Ogden, 19. Bailey Simonsson, 20. Bryce Cartwright, 21. Sean Russell, 22. Ky Rodwell

TEAM NEWS: No changes 1-22!

Storm: 1. Nick Meaney, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Tui Kamikamica, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Chris Lewis

Reserves: 18. Young Tonumaipea, 19. Cooper Johns, 20. Alex MacDonald, 21. Jordan Grant, 22. Jack Howarth

TEAM NEWS: Chris Lewis comes on to the bench to replace the injured Tom Eisenhuth. Brandon Smith has been named on the bench and Josh King at lock but would not surprise to see that change at game time.

The Eels have named an unchanged side for their clash against the Storm. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Bulldogs v Sea Eagles

Friday, 6pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Max King, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Joe Stimson, 16. Chris Patolo, 17. Tevita Pangai Jr

Reserves: 19. Declan Casey, 20. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 21. Jackson Topine, 22. Paul Alamoti, 23. Luke Thompson

TEAM NEWS: Corey Waddell (suspension) returns which sees Joe Stimson go to the bench. Tevita Pangai Jr is named on the bench after being dropped last week. Luke Thompson is among the reserves as he pushes to return after missing last week due to Covid.

Sea Eagles: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Tolutau Koula, 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Toa Sipley, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Andrew Davey, 13. Dylan Walker

Bench: 14. Ben Trbojevic, 15. Josh Schuster, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. Kurt De Luis

Reserves: 18. James Roumanos, 19. Zac Fulton, 20. Jacob Sykes, 21. Jamie Humphreys, 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong

TEAM NEWS: Andrew Davey and Dylan Walker join the starting pack with Ethan Bullemor benches and Josh Aloiai left right out. Kaeo Weekes starts at fullback with Tolu Koula going to centre and Ben Trbojevic the bench.

Roosters v Rabbitohs

Friday, 7.55pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Paul Momirovski, 3. Drew Hutchison, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Matthew Lodge, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Nat Butcher, 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Egan Butcher, 16. Fletcher Baker, 17. Terrell May

Reserves: 18. Adam Keighran, 19. Ben Thomas, 20. Kevin Naiqama, 21. Oliver Gildart, 22. Siua Wong

TEAM NEWS: Paul Momirovski replaces Daniel Tupou (groin) on the wing, Siosiua Taukeiaho replaces Victory Radley (concussion), Fletcher Baker and Terrell May come onto the bench.

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Isaiah Tass, 4. Jaxson Paulo, 5. Taane Milne, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Peter Mamouzelos, 15. Mark Nicholls, 16. Hame Sele, 17. Michael Chee Kam

Reserves: 18. Blake Taaffe, 19. Kodi Nikorima, 20. Davvy Moale, 21. Richard Kennar, 22. Josh Mansour

TEAM NEWS: Damien Cook (Covid) will miss a second game and Campbell Graham is out too. Jaxson Paulo replaces Graham and Peter Mamouzelos comes on to the bench.

Latrell Mitchell will be fired up for the clash against the Roosters. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Warriors v Titans

Saturday, 3pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Warriors: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Rocco Berry, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6.Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Tohu Harris, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Josh Curran, 13. Bunty Afoa

Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Tom Ale

Reserves: 18. Jack Murchie, 20. Daejarn Asi, 21. Adam Pompey, 22. Edward Kosi, Jackson Frei

TEAM NEWS: Shaun Johnson is somewhat of a shock inclusion, named to start at half-back despite being forced from the field in Round 24 with a calf-injury. Wayde Egan and Euan Aitken were late withdrawals before Round 24 but have been named to return. Josh Curran is named to start but could once again move to the bench on gameday. Backs Viliame Vailea, Adam Pompey and Edward Kosi are all out and replaced by Jesse Arthars, Rocco Berry and Marcelo Montoya.

Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Greg Marzhew, 3. Jojo Fifita, 4. Phillip Sami, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Sam McIntyre, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Isaac Liu

Bench: 14. Paul Turner, 15. Herman Ese’ese, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Klese Haas

Reserves: 18. Jarrod Wallace, 19. Tony Francis, 20. Toby Sexton, 21. Jamayne Isaako, 22. Sam Lisone

TEAM NEWS: Brian Kelly (suspended) is replaced by Phillip Sami for the Titans.

Dragons v Broncos

Saturday, 5.30pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Dragons: 1. Cody Ramsey, 2. Tyrell Sloan, 3. Mathew Feagai, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Tautau Moga, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Jack De Belin, 9. Jayden Sullivan, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Josh McGuire, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack Bird

Bench: 14. Tyrell Fuimaono, 15. Jaiyden Hunt, 16. Jackson Ford, 17. Aaron Woods

Reserves: 18. Jack Gosiewski, 19. Andrew McCullough, 20. Poasa Faamausili, 21. Joshua Coric, 22. Josh Kerr

TEAM NEWS: No changes for the Tigers-taming Dragons.

Broncos: 1. Te Maire Martin, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Delouise Hoeter, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Tyson Gamble, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Pat Carrigan

Bench: 14. Billy Walters, 15. Keenan Palasia, 16. Corey Jensen, 17. Zac Hosking

Reserves: 18. Tesi Niu, 19. Jordan Pereira, 20. Cory Paix, 21. Ezra Mam, 22. Rhys Kennedy

TEAM NEWS: Pat Carrigan returns after a lengthy suspension and slots straight in at lock replacing Kobe Hetherington (concussion). Ezra Mam has been cut by Kevvie Walters with Tyson Gamble starting in the halves. Selwyn Cobbo returns from his rest and replaces Jordan Pereira while Brenko Lee (hamstring) is replaced by Delousie Hoeter.

Tyson Gamble will replace Ezra Mam in the starting side for the Broncos. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Cowboys v Panthers

Saturday, 7,35pm, QCB Stadium, Townsville

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Reuben Cotter, 11. Luciano Leilua, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Tom Gilbert, 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Brendan Elliot, 19. Riley Price, 20. Connelly Lemuelu, 21. Tom Dearden, 22. Ben Condon

TEAM NEWS: Coen Hess (suspended) is out so Reuben Cotter starts at prop. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been named at five-eighth but he may well be replaced by Tom Dearden who is listed in the reserves as he recovers from a testicular injury.

Panthers: 1. Charlie Staines, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Robert Jennings, 4. Thomas Jenkins, 5. Christian Crichton, 6. Kurt Falls, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Lindsay Smith, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. Matt Eisenhuth, 11. Chris Smith, 12. Scott Sorenson, 13. J’maine Hopgood

Bench: 14. Soni Luke, 15. Eddie Blacker, 16. Liam Henry, 17. Jake Cole

Reserves: 18. Mavrik Geyer, 19. Preston Riki, 20. Ativalu Lisati, 21. Liam Martin, 22. Jaeman Salmon

TEAM NEWS: Basically every member of the starting team is resting. Thomas Jenkins, Liam Henry and Jack Cole will make their debuts.

Knights v Sharks

Sunday, 2pm, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Knights: 1. Tex Hoy, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Krystian Mapapalangi, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Phoenix Crossland, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Mat Croker

Bench: 14. Chris Randall, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Jack Johns

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi, 19. Ben Talty, 20. Enari Tuala, 21. Jirah Momoisea, 22. Hymel Hunt

TEAM NEWS: Phoenix Crossland starts at five-eighth in the absence of Anthony Milford. Mat Croker starts at lock with Suaso Sue making way. Chris Randall and Jack Johns join the bench.

Sharks: 1. Lachlan Miller, 2. Matt Ikuvalu, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Siosifa Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Royce Hunt, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Cameron McInnes

Bench: 14. Teig Wilton, 15. Braydon Trindall, 16. Aiden Tolman, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Luke Metcalf, 19. Jesse Colquhoun, 20. Mawene Hiroti, 21. Kayal Iro, 22. Dale Finucane

TEAM NEWS: Matt Ikuvalu replaces Kayal Iro on the wing. Dale Finucane is a chance to play after being added to the reserves.

Tigers v Raiders

Sunday, 4.05pm, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Tigers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Starford To’a, 4. Luke Garner, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Adam Doueihi, 7. Jock Madden, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Joe Ofahengaue, 11. Tom Freebairn, 12. Kelma Tuilagi, 13. Fa’amanu Brown

Bench: 14. Fonua Pole, 15. Zane Musgrove, 16. Tyrone Peachey, 17. Austin Dias

Reserves: 18. Jacob Liddle, 19. Junior Pauga, 20. James Roberts, 21. Henry O’Kane, 22. Brandon Mansfield

TEAM NEWS: James Tamou (suspended) returns as do Ken Maumalo and Luke Garner. Zane Musgrove drops to the bench while Junior Pauga and Asu Kepaoa drop out of the 17. Tyrone Peachey joins the bench while Jacob Liddle is dropped.

Raiders: 1. Xavier Savage, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Adam Elliott

Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Emre Guller, 16. Corey Horsburgh, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera

Reserves: 18. Albert Hopoate, 19. Ata Mariota, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Peter Hola, 22. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

TEAM NEWS: Nick Cotric (groin) returns with Albert Hopoate moving to 18th man.