Team lists: Panthers get Cleary boost, but champions still missing key personnel for Cowboys clash

Nathan Cleary has been named to return, but the Panthers are still without some of their biggest stars for Friday’s game against the Cowboys.

The Panthers have received a massive boost as they look to get their season back on track with champion halfback Nathan Cleary cleared to return.

But it isn’t all good news for the four-time reigning premiers with fullback Dylan Edwards (groin) still out as they get set to face North Queensland on Friday night.

He will be joined in the CommBank Stadium stands by Brian To’o (hamstring) and Scott Sorensen (concussion protocols).

Casey McLean will start on the wing with Blaize Talagi named 18th man against an unchanged Cowboys side.

Latrell Mitchell will make his first appearance of 2025 on Friday night, but the South Sydney superstar won’t have the No.1 on his back after he was named to return from injury at left centre.

It’s a role he hasn’t played since he helped the Roosters win the 2019 Grand Final, and it’s somewhat fitting that he comes back from a pre-season hamstring injury against his former side on the left edge.

The move allows Dally M leader Jye Gray to stay at fullback, with the Rabbitohs missing outside backs Tyrone Munro, Campbell Graham and Alex Johnston to injury.

Jye Gray has retained the No.1 jersey, with Latrell Mitchell to return from injury at left centre. Picture: NRL Photos

They face a Roosters side that welcomes back Connor Watson from concussion protocols, but they’ve lost Victor Radley to a cheekbone injury.

There were whispers that Trent Robinson would make changes to his halves after last week’s loss to the Titans, but Chad Townsend and Sandon Smith have both been named.

Lehi Hopoate slots into fullback for the Sea Eagles who will be without Tom Trbojevic (knee) for a month, with Clayton Faulalo named on the left wing.

Dally M winner Jahrome Hughes could be a shock inclusion for the Storm, with the halfback named on an extended bench as he eyes an early return from a broken hand.

Tom Trbojevic will be out for a month after he injured his knee in the win over Parramatta. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Sharks have lost strike centre Kayal Iro to a hamstring injury, with Mawene Hiroti taking his place in the side, while big man Tom Hazelton replaces Siosifa Talakai on the bench.

Benji Marshall has turned to Latu Fainu at halfback in place of the suspended Jarome Luai, with Adam Doueihi named at centre after he was a late scratching last week.

They face the Broncos who have gone with Brendan Piakura in place of the suspended Jordan Riki, while the Knights welcome back Leo Thompson from injury against the team he’ll join next season.

The Dolphins’ Max Plath will stay at lock for the clash against the Titans, with Connelly Lemuelu returning in the back row in place of Tom Gilbert who has been banned for one match.

Originally published as Team lists: Panthers get Cleary boost, but champions still missing key personnel for Cowboys clash