Rabbitohs name injured duo, Eels sweat on Opacic

The Rabbitohs' most-prolific try-scorer and a key representative forward remain under an injury cloud ahead of Saturday's Preliminary Final against the Panthers, while interchange player Siliva Havili has been ruled out with the calf injury he suffered last week. 

Winger Alex Johnston said on Monday he would be "touch and go" to take the field on Saturday, after picking up a hip flexor issue early in the second half of his side's win over the Sharks, while Jai Arrow is expected to play despite leaving the field due to a flare up of a groin complaint he has been dealing with for several weeks.

Veteran wing Josh Mansour has been included in the extended reserves as cover should Johnston fail to play. 

Centre Campbell Graham is named and isn't thought to be in doubt, despite currently playing through the pain of a fractured rib.

The Eels meanwhile are sweating on the fitness of centre Tom Opacic who injured his hamstring in Finals Week 2 and failed to finish the game.

Opacic is named to start at this week, with Marata Niukore - who played centre in Opacic's absence last week - the likely replacement if he fails to prove his fitness.

Bryce Cartwright has taken the place of Makahesi Makatoa on the bench. 

The value of having the bye in Finals Week 2 is clear in the team lists announced by the Panthers and Cowboys, with North Queensland unchanged from their last game a fortnight ago and Penrith making just one forced changed, with Charlie Staines in on the wing for Taylan May who is suspended.