LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Trent Toelau has been named as the replacement for injured Nathan Cleary at halfback for the Panthers in their upcoming clash against the Rabbitohs.
Toelau, who will make his first NRL start, was a surprise choice over Blaize Talagi, despite Talagi impressing off the bench in their previous game.
Ivan Cleary, the Panthers coach, spoke highly of Talagi, stating, "We've got a lot of time for Blaize.
He wouldn't be here if we didn't see a lot of future in him." However, Toelau's impressive performance in a trial match earned him the starting spot alongside Jack Cole.
Meanwhile, South Sydney will welcome back try-scoring machine Alex Johnston, who had been sidelined with an Achilles injury, for their upcoming game.
Latrell Mitchell is expected to return the following week.
In another team change, Craig Bellamy has chosen Tyran Wishart to fill in for Jahrome Hughes (broken hand) at halfback for the Storm's match against the Dragons.
Despite injury concerns, Eli Katoa and Grant Anderson have been cleared to play.
Overall, the Panthers' decision to select Toelau over Talagi has raised eyebrows, especially with Talagi being seen as a promising player.
However, Ivan Cleary emphasized that Talagi still has a bright future ahead of him in the NRL.
This unexpected choice indicates the Panthers' confidence in Toelau's abilities and potential to make a significant impact in the game.
The return of Johnston for South Sydney adds depth and firepower to their squad after a challenging start to the season.
Mitchell's anticipated return in the following week will further bolster their lineup and increase their chances of success.
In conclusion, the upcoming NRL matches will see key players making their returns from injury and new faces stepping into crucial roles.
These changes reflect the dynamic nature of rugby league and highlight the importance of adaptability and depth within a team's roster.