NRL teams: Panthers drop halfback bombshell as Sea Eagles get Turbo boost

The Panthers have dropped another selection bombshell with a left field option named to replace Nathan Cleary this week.

Trent Toelau will make his first NRL start after he was named to replace Nathan Cleary at halfback for Penrith’s clash against the Rabbitohs to open round four.

Cleary will miss the match after he suffered a head knock against the Storm last week, with Toelau a shock inclusion over new recruit Blaize Talagi who came off the bench and had some nice touches in Melbourne.

Toelau was outstanding in their trial win over the Sea Eagles, but most expected Talagi or Brad Schneider to get the nod alongside Jack Cole.

Trent Toelau will start his first NRL game at halfback in place of Nathan Cleary. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“We’ve got a lot of time for Blaize. He wouldn’t be here if we didn’t see a lot of future in him. He’s certainly got that NRL quality about him, but there’s still a long way to go as well,” Ivan Cleary said.

Try-scoring machine Alex Johnston returns for South Sydney after missing the start of the season due to an Achilles injury suffered last year, with Latrell Mitchell expected to return next week.

Craig Bellamy has turned to Tyran Wishart to replace Jahrome Hughes (broken hand) at halfback for the Storm’s clash against the Dragons, with Eli Katoa and Grant Anderson both overcoming injury scares to take their place in the 17.

There’s some good news for Manly after a tumultuous 24 hours off the field with superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic named to return after missing a game due to hamstring tightness.

Tom Trbojevic is back on deck for the Sea Eagles. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

The Titans have suffered a significant blow with livewire fullback Keano Kini set to see a specialist after suffering a neck injury, with Jaylen de Groot taking his place at fullback against the Roosters who have named Zach Dockar-Clay in place of Connor Watson (head knock).

Kotoni Staggs returns from injury for the Broncos in place of Deine Mariner, while David Klemmer will make his Dragons debut off the bench against the Storm.

Joseph Tapine is back for suspension for the Raiders after missing the past two games, but the Green Machine have lost Morgan Smithies to a head knock.

Man mountain Tom Hazelton replaces Braden Hamlin-Uele (knee) at the Sharks, with Siosifa Talakai cleared of any serious damage to his ankle.