NRL: Panthers rest stars for Pre-Season Challenge

The Penrith Panthers are taking a conservative approach in their NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash against the Canberra Raiders, with several key players absent from the team named on Tuesday.

Nathan Cleary, Izack Tago and Mitch Kenny will all sit out the warm-up game on Saturday night at Shark Park.

The Raiders have chosen to name Albert Hopoate in their run-on side, despite the winger not travelling to the United States for the season opener.

Xavier Savage has been rested, however, with Jed Stuart and Michael Asomua given an opportunity instead in the outside backs.

In the weekend’s other game, the Cronulla Sharks have chosen not to play Addin Fonua-Blake against his former club, the New Zealand Warriors.

Instead, Tom Hazelton and Braden Hamlin-Uele get the nod in the front row on Friday night.

The Warriors, however, have named several high-profile players in their team to take on the Sharks, with James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett both set to get game time.

Despite both matches being pre-season fixtures with extended squads, NRL betting sites are offering odds for the Panthers vs Raiders and Sharks vs Warriors games.

Rugby league bookmakers have the Warriors as $1.56 favourites for Friday’s fixture, with Cronulla paying $2.45 to salute on home soil.

The Panthers are returning $1.45 for the win at Neds, leaving the Raiders at $2.75.

NRL Pre-Season Challenge teams

Cronulla Sharks

1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Mawene Hiroti
4. Kayal Iro
5. Samuel Stonestreet
6. Daniel Atkinson
7. Niwhai Puru
8. Braden Hamlin-Uele
9. Jayden Berrell
10. Thomas Hazelton
11. Siosifa Talakai
12. Billy Burns
13. Oregon Kaufusi
14. Hohepa Puru
15. Tuku Hau Tapuha
16. Lachlan Crouch
17. Blake Hosking
18. Chris Veaila
19. Kyle Pickering
20. Michael Gabrael
21. Bradley Fearnley
22. Taj Ford
23. Riley Pollard
24. Eli Clark
25. Kristian Dixon
26. Felix Faatili
27. Samuel McCulloch

New Zealand Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Jacob Laban
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark
14. Demitric Vaimauga
15. Marata Niukore
16. Moala Graham-Taufa
17. Sio Kali
18. Edward Kosi
19. Luke Hanson
20. Jett Cleary
21. Taine Tuaupiki
22. Daeon Amituanai
23. Bunty Afoa
24. Eddie Ieremia
25. Sam Healey
26. Dylan Walker
27. Tanner Stowers-Smith
28. Freddy Lussick

Penrith Panthers

1. Daine Laurie
2. Jesse McLean
3. Sione Fonua
4. Asu Kepaoa
5. Casey McLean
6. Jack Cole
7. Brad Schneider
8. Luron Patea
9. Luke Sommerton
10. Preston Riki
11. Mavrik Geyer
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Matt Eisenhuth
14. Trent Toelau
15. Harrison Hassett
16. John Sagaga
17. Riley Wake
18. Zack Lamont
19. Niko Apelu
20. David Fale
21. Falefa Letoi
22. Billy Scott
23. Jaxen Edgar
24. Zac Lipowicz
25. Samuel Lane
26. Billy Phillips
27. Nick Murphy

Canberra Raiders

1. Chevy Stewart
2. Michael Asomua
3. Albert Hopoate
4. Manaia Waitere
5. Jed Stuart
6. Adam Cook
7. Ethan Sanders
8. Jordan Martin
9. Owen Pattie
10. Pasami Saulo
11. Simi Sasagi
12. Matt Nicholson
13. Myles Martin
14. Ethan Alaia
15. Izaac Tu’itupou
16. Regan Carr
17. Mark Tuialii
18. Keahn Skipps
19. Jenson Taumoepeau
20. Jalen Afamasaga
21. Peter Taateo
22. Shaun Packer
23. Jake Clydesdale
24. Joseph Roddy
25. Noah Martin
26. Ata Mariota
27. Mitchell Prest
28. Jaxon Lavender

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