Burton makes centre switch as Crichton eyes No.1 jersey

Matt Burton's whirlwind final season in Panthers colours looks set to continue with the playmaker named in the centres for Thursday night's clash against the Sea Eagles.

Burton's move to centre is part of a reshuffle in the backline with Stephen Crichton replacing Dylan Edwards (hand fracture) at fullback. 

Nathan Cleary's return from a head knock will see Jarome Luai switch back to the left edge alongside Burton, Viliame Kikau and Brian To'o.

The Panthers experimented with Burton in the centres during a NSW Cup trial game in February, while Crichton will start at fullback for the first time since making his NRL debut in 2019.

"It's a great opportunity for Stephen, he'll obviously get his hands on the ball a lot more," Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo said on Tuesday.

"He played a little bit of fullback [coming off the bench] last year. He's just a footballer who pops up at the right times and is a tackle breaker.

"It's a little bit of a different role for 'Burto' but he's done it before for us and will do a wonderful job."

In other team news, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has lost patience and made two changes after an 0-3 start to the season with Jake Clifford and Esan Marsters dropped for the side's clash with the Sharks. 

Clifford will be replaced by Ben Hampton with Michael Morgan not named due to an ongoing shoulder injury.

The Sharks have concerns of their own but have named Wade Graham and Will Kennedy to play pending a final clearance after suffering head knocks last week. 

It's a similar story at the Raiders, who have named Ryan James and Sebastian Kris in their 17 after the pair failed their head injury assessments in last week's loss to the Warriors. 

Ricky Stuart's side will be boosted by the return of Hudson Young and Dunamis Lui but will be without Curtis Scott (ribs) for at least a week.

At Newcastle, the Knights have named veteran Blake Green on the bench as the veteran looks to make his return from an ACL injury. 

Their opposition, St George Illawarra, have called in Adam Clune and Brayden Wiliame to replace Ben Hunt (leg) and Jack Bird (suspension).

Meanwhile, the Roosters have called in North Sydney duo, prop Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha and hooker Ben Marschke, to their reserves list after seeking an exemption from the NRL, but the pair are unlikely to make the final 17.

Former Bulldog Marcelo Montoya has been named to replace Peta Hiku at the Warriors after the centre suffered a knee injury in last week's win over the Raiders.

At the Eels, former Titans forward Bryce Cartwright is set to return to the field this weekend after suffering a broken jaw in February. He's been included in the reserves in jersey No.21.