Jaeman Salmon and Jack Cogger will partner in the halves for Penrith against North Queensland on Friday night.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has named a new-look side for the trip to Townsville, with five State of Origin players unavailable as well as co-captain Nathan Cleary.
Salmon and Cogger will partner in the halves for the first time, while Tom Jenkins will make his second NRL appearance on the wing.
Matt Eisenhuth returns to the side at lock, while Luke Garner has been added to the interchange.
Tyrone Peachey also makes his way back into first grade to replace Stephen Crichton.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have received a huge boost ahead of the clash with co-captain Jason Taumalolo to return from a knee injury.
Todd Payten’s side has been heavily impacted by Origin with five players unavailable.
Panthers team: Dylan Edwards, Sunia Turuva, Izack Tago, Tyrone Peachey, Tom Jenkins, Jaeman Salmon, Jack Cogger, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, James Fisher-Harris, Scott Sorensen, Zac Hosking, Matt Eisenhuth. Bench: Soni Luke, Lindsay Smith, Spencer Leniu, Luke Garner.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
