Teams: Big gambles confirmed for do-or-die finals

The Panthers and Manly have received major boosts with stars Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary named to return from injuries for week one of the finals.
Trbojevic didn’t play in Manly’s final match of the regular season after suffering a shoulder injury in his side’s 34-22 win over the Bulldogs.
However, he has now been passed as fit to play through the pain of his grade three AC shoulder injury.
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Cleary also injured his shoulder in mid-August when the Panthers lost to the Storm.
Tom Trbojevic, Josh Addo-Carr and Nathan Cleary.  Getty images
The three-time premiership winner was taken from the ground in an ambulance but avoided immediate surgery and will now be the key man in Penrith’s search for a four-peat.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. 
For the Bulldogs, Josh Addo-Carr hasn’t been named after a roadside drug test detected cocaine in his system. The Bulldogs star stood himself down on Tuesday morning despite rejecting the test’s initial findings.
FRIDAY
Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters, 7:50pm at 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 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Brad Schneider 20. Casey McLean 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton
Analysis: Nathan Cleary is back from injury for the Panthers after three games out. Brad Schneider drops to the reserves.
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Nat Butcher 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Siua Wong 17. Terrell May 18. Michael Jennings 19. Blake Steep 20. Mark Nawaqanitawase 21. Jake Elliott 22. Salesi Foketi
Analysis: Dom Young, Daniel Tupou, Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher are all back from injuries or being rested. Terrell May and Naufahu Whyte are on the bench, while Mark Nawaqanitawase is back in the reserves.
SATURDAY
Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks, 4:05pm at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William 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 18. Grant Anderson 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Joe Chan 22. Ativalu Lisati
Analysis: Ryan Papenhuyzen and Christian Welch return from injury and illness.
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 18. Braden Hamlin-Uele 19. Chris Veaila 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Thomas Hazelton
Analysis: Oregon Kaufusi is back from a rest. Royce Hunt goes to the bench and Tom Hazelton is in the extended squad after he suffered a knee injury.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights, 7:50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
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 18. Jaxon Purdue 19. Chad Townsend 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Tomas Chester
Analysis: Jordan McLean returns after a hamstring injury and Sam McIntrye drops to the bench as a result. Thomas Mikaele is in the reserves.
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 Elliott 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. Will Pryce 20. Jackson Hastings 21. Kyle McCarthy 22. Kai Pearce-Paul
Analysis: The Knights are unchanged from 1-17.
SUNDAY
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles, 4:05pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney
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 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Jonathan Sua 22. Drew Hutchison 23. Chris Patolo
Analysis: Josh Addo-Carr has stood himself down pending a police investigation. Bronson Xerri, Matt Burton and Jeral Skelton are all back while Jacob Kiraz moves to the wing from centre.
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 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Jamie Humphreys 20. Toafofoa Sipley 21. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 22. Corey Waddell
Analysis: Tom Trbojevic returns from injury with Tolu Koula going to the centres and Tommy Talau on the wing.
THURSDAY
Wests Tigers vs St George Illawarra Dragons, 7:45pm at Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield
Tigers: 1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Rebecca Pollard 3. Leianne Tufuga 4. Rikeya Horne 5. Claudia Nielsen 6. Evie Mcgrath 7. Losana Lutu 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Ebony Prior 10. Christian Pio 11. Brooke Talataina 12. Claudia Brown 13. Najvada George 14. Chelsea Savill 15. Tara Reinke 16. Natasha Penitani 17. Pauline Piliae 18. Jessica Kennedy 19. Tess Staines 20. Emily Curtain 21. Iemaima Etuale
Analysis: A host of changes for the Tigers due to injuries. Claudia Brown replaces Montana Clifford. Shaianne McGlone and Tiana-Lee Thorne are both out. Claudia Nielsen will make her NRLW debut.
Dragons: 1. Teagan Berry 2. Maatuleio Fotu-moala 3. Keele Browne 4. Bobbi Law 5. Alice Gregory 6. Tyla King 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 9. Kasey Reh 10. Jamilee Bright 11. Shenai Lendill 12. Ella Koster 13. Alexis Tauaneai 14. Zali Hopkins 15. Charlotte Basham 16. Madison Mulhall 17. Steph Hancock 18. Sophie Clancy 19. Jordyn Preston 20. Kimberley Hunt 21. Kaarla Cowan 22. Bronte Wilson
Analysis: Tyla King is back for the Dragons. Kasey Reh goes to hooker and Sophie Clancy is 18th player.
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SATURDAY
Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks, 12pm at Cbus Super Stadium, Robina
Broncos: 1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Stacey Waaka 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Brianna Clark 9. Jada Ferguson 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 11. Mariah Denman 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Destiny Brill 15. Tafito Lafaele 16. Lavinia Gould 17. Annetta Nuuausala 18. Lauren Dam 19. Skyla Adams 20. Bree Spreadborough 21. Jasmine Fogavini 22. Ashleigh Werner
Analysis: Broncos are unchanged from 1-17.
Sharks: 1. Cassie Staples 2. Nakia Davis-Welsh 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Annessa Biddle 5. Georgia Ravics 6. Emma Tonegato 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Holli Wheeler 11. Talei Holmes 12. Rhiannon Byers 13. Brooke Anderson 14. Sharni Smale 15. Chloe Saunders 16. Vanessa Foliaki 17. Tegan Dymock 19. Manilita Takapautolo 20. Filomina Hanisi 21. Dominique Du Toit 22. Georgia Hannaway 23. Leki Leilua
Analysis: Nakia Davis-Welsh replaces Dominique du Toit on the wing.
Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights, 1:45pm at Cbus Super Stadium, Robina
Titans: 1. Evania Pelite 2. Georgia Grey 3. Jaime Chapman 4. Taliah Fuimaono 5. Emily Bass 6. Sienna Lofipo 7. Lailani Montgomery 8. Shannon Mato 9. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Zara Canfield 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Georgia Hale 14. Lily-Rose Kolc 15. Laikha Clarke 16. Sarina Masaga 17. Ngatokotoru Arakua 18. Georgia Sim 19. Dannii Perese 20. Hailee-Jay Maunsell 21. Malaela Sua 22. Estanoa Faitala
Analysis: Superstar half Lauren Brown is out with a broken hand. Lailani Montgomery replaces her at halfback. Jaime Chapman and Taliah Fuimaono are both back in the centres while Niall Williams-Guthrie is out with injury. Lily Kolc comes on to the bench with Matekino Gray injured.
Knights: 1. Tamika Upton 2. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 4. Abigail Roache 5. Tenika Willison 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Rima Butler 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Simone Karpani 11. Laishon Albert-Jones 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Nita Maynard 15. Kayla Romaniuk 16. Tayla Predebon 17. Viena Tinao 18. Evie Jones 19. Lilly-Ann White 20. Jules Kirkpatrick 21. Grace Kukutai 22. Jacinta Carter
Analysis: Nita Maynard comes on to the bench, replacing Evie Jones.
SUNDAY
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys, 12pm at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
Roosters: 1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jasmine Strange 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Mia Wood 6. Brydie Parker 7. Jocelyn Kelleher 8. Otesa Pule 9. Keeley Davis 10. Pani Hopoate 11. Amber Hall 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Tiana Davison 14. Tavarna Papalii 15. Taina Naividi 16. Millie Elliott 17. Eliza Lopamaua 18. Samantha Economos 19. Shannon Rose 20. Kayla Jackson 22. Mya Hill-Moana
Analysis: Jocelyn Kelleher and Brydie Parker are the new halves pairing after Tarryn Aiken’s injury. Jayme Fressard and Millie Elliott return from suspension.
Cowboys: 1. Francesca Goldthorp 2. Vitalina Naikore 3. Jakiya Whitfeld 4. Jasmine Peters 5. Lavinia Tauhalaliku 6. Tahlulah Tillett 7. Kirra Dibb 8. Tallisha Harden 9. Emma Manzelmann 10. Essay Banu 11. Shaniah Power 12. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 13. Bree Chester 14. Jetaya Faifua 15. Lily Peacock 16. Lillian Yarrow 23. Sareka Mooka 18. Krystal Blackwell 19. Jazmon Tupou-witchman 20. Shellie Long 21. Libby Surha 22. Ebony Raftstrand-Smith
Analysis: Lily Peacock’s return is the only change with Shellie Long going to the reserves.
Canberra Raiders vs Parramatta Eels, 1:45pm at GIO Stadium, Canberra
Raiders: 1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Mackenzie Wiki 5. Shakiah Tungai 6. Zahara Temara 7. Ash Quinlan 8. Grace Kemp 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Jaida Faleono 16. Amelia Pasikala 17. Felice Quinlan 18. Relna Wuruki-hosea 19. Tatiana Finau 20. Georgia Willey 21. Alanna Dummett 22. Tommaya Kelly-Sines
Analysis: Co-captain Simaima Taufa is back with Chante Temara moving to hooker and Emma Barnes on the bench. Hollie Mae-Dodd returns from suspension and Mackenzie Wiki is back too.
Eels: 1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Rory Owen 4. Rosie Kelly 5. Monique Donovan 6. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Taneka Todhunter 10. Madeline Jones 11. Chloe Jackson 12. Mahalia Murphy 13. Breanna Eales 14. Rosemarie Beckett 15. Tyla Amiatu 16. Jade Fonua 17. Lindsay Tui 18. Mia Middleton 19. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 20. Ruby-Jean Kennard 21. Kate Fallon 23. Tafao Asaua
Analysis: The Eels are unchanged.