NRL Late Mail: Finals Week 1 - Talagi's new role; Crichton ruled out
Panthers young gun Blaize Talagi will line up in the centres for the first time since 2024 after Luke Garner succumbed to a minor groin injury.
The first choice five-eighth for much of the season, Talagi in the lead up to the finals but has now been thrust into a new role for Penrith's qualifying final against the Roosters.
Trent Robinson's men will not have the services of Angus Crichton for the clash after he failed to overcome a foot injury.
The second rower has missed the past 11 weeks with the ailment and will eye a return in their next finals match.
See all the late mail, official team news and updates for Week 1 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series.
NRL Late Mail: Finals Week 1
Panthers v Roosters, Sunday 4.05pm at CommBank Stadium
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas JenkinsWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith
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Centre for Panthers is number 18 Blaize TalagiCentre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia
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Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Roosters is number 5 Mark Nawaqanitawase
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jack ColeFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Hugo Savala
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Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans
Forwards
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Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu Whyte
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Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece Robson
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Prop for Panthers is number 16 Liam HenryProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Roosters is number 20 Egan Butcher
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Lock for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
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Interchange for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoInterchange for Roosters is number 11 Salesi Foketi
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Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott SorensenInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
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Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Billy PhillipsInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Spencer Leniu
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Interchange for Panthers is number 19 Billy ScottInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
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Reserve for Panthers is number 14 Freddy LussickReserve for Roosters is number 18 Cody Ramsey
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Reserve for Panthers is number 22 Jesse McLeanReserve for Roosters is number 19 Tommy Talau
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Panthers: A minor groin strain to Luke Garner has prompted a reshuffle for the Panthers with Blaize Talagi coming into the centres. Skipper Isaah Yeo has also shifted to the bench, with Liam Henry to start at prop and Lindsay Smith moving to lock. Jesse McLean is the other new face on the six-man bench. Scott Sorensen re-joins the bench after he was rested last following a gruelling campaign in which he had played every match. The Panthers have won 12 of their last 14 games against the Roosters.
Roosters: One late change for the Roosters with Egan Butcher to start in the back row and Salesi Foketi shifting to the interchange. Angus Crichton was ruled out on Saturday after failing to overcome a foot injury. Victor Radley returns from concussion in another boost. Premiership winner Daly Cherry-Evans takes over at halfback with Sam Walker gone for the season and will team with Hugo Savala in the No.6. Captain James Tedesco is back in the No.1 jersey after an unsettled end to the season which saw him miss three games with an ankle injury before returning for one game and then being rested last week.
