Brad Schneider will partner Jarome Luai in the halves as Penrith tries to get through the back end of the season without superstar halfback Nathan Cleary.
Cleary suffered a shoulder injury in Penrith’s loss to Melbourne last Thursday night but will return for the NRL Finals.
As Penrith look to bed down a top four spot and aim for a home Final, control of the team will be handed to Schneider and Luai.
Schneider has played nine games for Penrith in his debut year with the club.
He will wear the number six against Canberra this Saturday, coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed. Luai will move into the halfback position.
Meantime, it appears 2023 Premiership winner Sunia Turuva remains on the outer, with Daine Laurie on the wing for Saturday’s clash.
Luke Sommerton will play at hooker in place of the suspended Mitch Kenny.
Coach Cleary said earlier today he remained hopeful Nathan would return for week one of the Finals.
“He’s OK. He’s obviously disappointed but the scans could have been worse, so there’s some hope there,” he said.
Troy Dodds
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.