The Roosters and Panthers will face off in a Thursday night blockbuster to start Round 4 this week with the home side set to be without one of their key enforcers, while the Panthers will be without their talisman.
Jason Demetriou’s South Sydney outfit suffered a shocking loss to the Roosters last week and all eyes will now be on them after Lachlan Ilias was named in the reserves once again.
The Titans will be desperate for the return of a number of their sidelined stars as they begin to manage the loss of their influential skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, while Mitch Moses is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
Elsewhere, Cronulla face a tough task up front with four forwards sidelined, while the Broncos are dealing with an injury crisis of their own.
Luke Keary has return at five-eighth with Sandon Smith, who played in the No.6 jersey last week, dropping out of the side.
Keary will start alongside Sam Walker after the club successfully downgraded his category one concussion.
Lindsay Collins picked up a hamstring injury during his side’s big win over the Bunnies last week though and has been ruled out.
Terrell May has been promoted off the pine, while Egan Butcher will make his first appearance of the season off the bench.
Angus Crichton and Connor Watson have both held onto their spots in the 17.
