NRL Finals Week 1 teams: Big ins galore as Cleary returns

A host of stars are back on deck for the first week of the 2024 NRL finals.

After three weeks out with a shoulder problem, Nathan Cleary returns at halfback for the Panthers‘ qualifying final against the Roosters on Friday night in Penrith.

Sydney have some significant inclusions of their own, with Nat Butcher, Lindsay Collins, Daniel Tupou and Dom Young all back after missing round 27.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm regain star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for their clash with the Sharks at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon.

Cronulla have Oregon Kaufusi back at prop, although they could be without Tom Hazelton due to a knee injury.

Cowboys veteran Jordan McLean slots back into the front row for Saturday night’s elimination final in Townsville, while the Newcastle Knights have named an unchanged 17.

Matt Burton, Jeral Skelton and Bronson Xerri all return for the Bulldogs’ date with the Sea Eagles on Sunday, but star winger Josh Addo-Carr has stood himself down due to a drug-related issue.

To make matters worse for Canterbury, Tom Trbojevic returns at fullback for Manly after some time off with a shoulder injury.

Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters

Friday, September 13 – 7:50pm AEST – BlueBet Stadium

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Trent Toelau
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Liam Henry
17. Luke Garner

Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks

Saturday, September 14 – 4:05pm AEST – AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Christian Welch
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Alec MacDonald

Cronulla Sharks

1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Toby Rudolf
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Jack Williams
16. Royce Hunt
17. Siosifa Talakai

North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights

Saturday, September 14 – 7:50pm AEST – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
17. Griffin Neame

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Fletcher Sharpe
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Jack Cogger
7. Phoenix Crossland
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Leo Thompson
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Dylan Lucas
13. Adam Elliot
14. Tyson Gamble
15. Mat Croker
16. Jack Hetherington
17. Brodie Jones

Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles

Sunday, September 15 – 4:05pm AEST – Accor Stadium

Canterbury Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey
2. Jacob Kiraz
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Matt Burton
7. Toby Sexton
8. Max King
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Samuel Hughes
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Jacob Preston
13. Jaeman Salmon
14. Bailey Hayward
15. Kurtis Morrin
16. Harry Hayes
17. Josh Curran

Manly Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Tommy Talau
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Matthew Lodge
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Karl Lawton
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Ben Trbojevic
15. Josh Aloiai
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Nathan Brown

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