All the Late Mail team news for week three of the Telstra Premiership finals and round three of the NRLW.
The ‘odd couple’: Luai’s confidence fuels Cleary
Panthers v Rabbitohs, Saturday 7.50pm at ANZ Stadium
Panthers: Bench forward Spencer Leniu has been ruled out due to an illness with Mitch Kenny coming onto the interchange. Coach Ivan Cleary has also switched Brent Naden back to the bench with Tyrone May promoted to start at centre.
As he did when he scored two tries in round 20, Kurt Capewell will start in the left second-row position after being named in place of the suspended Viliame Kikau.
The Panthers are aiming for their 17th consecutive victory. Dean Whare and Jack Hetherington were the two players left out 24 hours before the match. Matt Burton was the other reserve omitted an hour before kick-off.
Match: Panthers v Rabbitohs
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs: South Sydney were dealt a massive blow on the eve of their preliminary final with Campbell Graham ruled out with a groin injury. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has switched Bayley Sironen to replace Graham in the centres, with Hame Sele coming onto the bench.
Cam Murray has shifted to second row with Liam Knight off the interchange to start at lock. Bennett said he was confident Graham would be fit to play in the NRL grand final next Sunday, if Souths were to end Penrith's 16-game winning streak. Back-rower Jaydn Su'A had a sore knee but will play.
Along with Graham, Steven Marsters was dropped from the squad on Friday. Troy Dargan and Patrick Mago were omitted on Saturday.
The Rabbitohs have won seven from eight against the Panthers at ANZ Stadium..
