Panthers v Dragons: Cogger back from ban; Flanagan in for Reed
Dragons fans will be hoping their team can pull a rabbit out of the hat to close out Magic Round when they take on top-of-the-table Panthers.
Yet to win a game this season, St George Illawarra have a challenge on their hands against a Penrith side who played perfect football in the first half of their entertaining win over Raiders last week.
However, coach Ivan Cleary was not pleased with their error-riddled closing stages as Canberra pressed hard for an upset, saying he had already addressed those issues with his side upon full-time.
The Dragons have endured a tough season so far, but have produced some positive signs, namely with their young crop of forwards getting valuable experience and impressing with their efforts along the way.
This week in the final game of Magic Round, they will be able to test themselves against some of the best forwards in the game and gain some valuable lessons no matter the result.
Match: Panthers v Dragons
Round 11 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Dragons
17th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Panthers: Just the one change for the competition leaders, with Jack Cogger slotting straight back into the No.14 jersey in his return from suspension. Jack Cole drops out of the squad as a result. Liam Henry retains his place on the interchange after making a successful return from injury last weekend.
Dragons: Kyle Flanagan gets a recall in the No.7 jersey with youngster Kade Reed suffering a finger injury against the Knights. Centre Moses Suli's return from a back injury sees Tyrell Sloan slide to the bench while Christian Tuipulotu comes in on the wing for Mat Feagai (back). Five-eighth Dan Atkinson (hand) and edge back-rower Luciano Leilua (suspension) are also back for the Red V as they bid to snap a nine-game losing streak.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas JenkinsWinger for Dragons is number 2 Setu Tu
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Paul AlamotiCentre for Dragons is number 3 Moses Suli
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine Holmes
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Dragons is number 5 Christian Tuipulotu
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize TalagiFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Daniel Atkinson
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Kyle Flanagan
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Dragons is number 8 Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Freddy LussickHooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien Cook
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithProp for Dragons is number 10 Toby Couchman
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Dylan Egan
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Luke Garner2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Hamish Stewart
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Dragons is number 13 Ryan Couchman
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Jack CoggerInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Luciano Leilua
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott SorensenInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Emre Guler
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam HenryInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Josh Kerr
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Izack TagoInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Blake Lawrie
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 18 Billy PhillipsInterchange for Dragons is number 18 Tyrell Sloan
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 19 Billy ScottInterchange for Dragons is number 19 Lyhkan King-Togia
Reserves
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 20 Jack ColeReserve for Dragons is number 20 Hayden Buchanan
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 21 Sione FonuaReserve for Dragons is number 21 Hame Sele
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 22 Luron PateaReserve for Dragons is number 22 Haele Finau
Panthers Ins
- Jack Cogger
- Luron Patea
- Sione Fonua
Dragons Ins
- Daniel Atkinson
- Haele Finau
- Hame Sele
- Hayden Buchanan
- Luciano Leilua
- Moses Suli
Panthers Outs
Dragons Ins
- Jacob Halangahu
- Kade Reed
- Mathew Feagai
Match Officials
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won eight of their last nine games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have conceded 106 points in their last two games.
- The Panthers have won four of their last five Magic Round games.
- Dragons hooker Damien Cook will play his 250th NRL game.
- Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has scored seven tries in his last seven games against the Dragons.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
