Selection boosts for Panthers as top-two race heats up

Penrith's top-two hopes have been given a boost with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Api Koroisau and Tevita Pangai jnr included in the 21-man squad to face the Roosters on Saturday.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has included son Nathan in the reserves for the first time since he suffered a shoulder injury in Origin II to put aside fears he may not play again this season.

The depleted Panthers were no match for a strong Storm outfit but will turn to the likes of Yeo and Koroisau to help spark some creativity.

Melbourne kicked ahead of the Panthers by two competition points with their 37-10 demolition job last week. Penrith are now in a battle with South Sydney to remain in the top two.

Pangai jnr's signing came after the Broncos released the bulldozing forward last month to join the Panthers on a three-month deal before he joins Canterbury in 2022.

The Tongan international will come off the bench for the Panthers with Liam Martin to start in the front row again in place of James Fisher-Harris, who has begun a 14-day quarantine in Queensland.

The Roosters have not messed around with their backline replacement for Josh Morris with Dale Copley called immediately onto the wing to help ease the club's injury toll.

Copley, who played for the Tricolours in 2016, returned to the squad this week after gaining a release from the Broncos and will partner Joey Manu on the right edge.

In other team news, Newcastle have rested co-captain Jayden Brailey for Thursday night's clash against the Broncos with rookie Chris Randall to fill in after recovering from an arm injury.

Brailey looked to be in discomfort after coming off second best in a Josh Papalii tackle but was cleared to return in the second half of Saturday's win over the Raiders.

The loss of Brailey comes at a time the Knights will welcome back Mitchell Pearce from a hamstring injury.

Brisbane have recalled Jesse Arthars and TC Robati for the Suncorp Stadium clash after Kotoni Staggs (knee) and Jake Turpin (ankle) were casualties out of last week's win over the Cowboys.

Former Knight Danny Levi will start in Turpin's absence against his old club.

At the Wests Tigers, Michael Maguire resisted any major changes after last week's loss to the Warriors with Moses Mbye shifting to fullback for Daine Laurie (leg) while James Tamou has been named to return from a foot injury.

Parramatta will be boosted by the return of Mitchell Moses for their crucial run towards the finals after back-to-back losses but will be without Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who suffered a groin injury last week.