Friday’s massive NRL double-header is shaping up to be even more dramatic, with several star players potentially making their long-awaited returns. Among them is Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo, who has been named on the extended bench and could feature in the Panthers’ heavyweight showdown against ladder-leaders Canberra.
Yeo, who has been sidelined for the past two games with a shoulder injury, has been listed in jersey No.19 and could provide a significant boost for the four-time defending premiers as they continue their push for a top-four finish. The Raiders, on the other hand, enter the clash fully fresh after enjoying a bye last weekend and will stick with an unchanged 1-17 lineup.
The night’s second fixture is also packed with intrigue, with multiple stars sitting in reserve lists waiting for clearance. Melbourne Storm’s Cameron Munster has been named at fullback, but Ryan Papenhuyzen remains a chance to return if he passes his final concussion protocols. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is also in contention, while coach Craig Bellamy will make one enforced change as Joe Chan steps in for the injured Shawn Blore (ankle).
The Bulldogs may also spring some late surprises, with Marcelo Montoya and Sitili Tupouniua named in the reserves as they edge closer to comebacks from long injury layoffs.
For the Rabbitohs, the updates are mixed. Superstar Latrell Mitchell will remain sidelined, but the club has welcomed back Keaon Koloamatangi, who has overcome fears of a season-ending foot injury to reclaim a spot in the front row. Cody Walker will continue his role off the bench against a Dragons side missing Jack de Belin, Hamish Stewart, and Hame Sele due to concussion protocols.
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Isaah Yeo → returning to the Penrith Panthers after missing two games (shoulder injury).
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Ryan Papenhuyzen → could return for the Melbourne Storm if cleared from concussion protocols.
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Nelson Asofa-Solomona → also in line to return for the Melbourne Storm.
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Marcelo Montoya → could return for the Canterbury Bulldogs after a long injury layoff.
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Sitili Tupouniua → also listed for a possible return to the Canterbury Bulldogs.
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Keaon Koloamatangi → surprise return for the South Sydney Rabbitohs (front row).
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Cody Walker → continuing with the South Sydney Rabbitohs (bench role).
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Siua Wong → back in the lineup for the Sydney Roosters.
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Te Maire Martin → returning to the New Zealand Warriors.
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Rocco Berry → also back for the New Zealand Warriors.
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Kurt Capewell → another returnee for the New Zealand Warriors.
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Brian Kelly → back in the centres for the Gold Coast Titans.
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Jojo Fifita → also returning for the Gold Coast Titans.
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Felise Kaufusi → returning for the Dolphins (veteran prop).
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Francis Molo → also returning for the Dolphins (veteran prop).
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Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow → back at fullback for the Dolphins.
⚠️ Meanwhile:
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Daniel Tupou (Roosters) → ruled out due to concussion protocols, replaced by Junior Tupou.
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Jack de Belin, Hamish Stewart, Hame Sele (Dragons) → ruled out due to concussion protocols.
Elsewhere, the Sydney Roosters will be without winger Daniel Tupou, who is sidelined under concussion rules, with Junior Tupou filling the left wing. Forward Siua Wong also returns to bolster their pack.
The Warriors have been handed a triple boost with Te Maire Martin, Rocco Berry, and Kurt Capewell all named to face the Titans, who themselves regain Brian Kelly and Jojo Fifita in the centres.
Finally, the Dolphins have received a timely lift for their must-win clash with Manly, as veteran enforcers Felise Kaufusi and Francis Molo return to the front row. Adding to that, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow shifts back into his preferred fullback role, with Trai Fuller making way.
