The Rabbitohs have replaced Siliva Havili and star winger Alex Johnston has been named but faces a timing challenge to face the Panthers on Saturday night.
Souths backromer Jai Arrow has overcome a groin problem while Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has made a call on who will replace the suspended Taylan May.
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has changed his bench for their preliminary clash against the Cowboys in Townsville on Friday night.
Eels center Tom Opacic has been named but his hamstring will be closely watched after he injured it against the Raiders last week.
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Read below for preliminary analysis of the finals teams!
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston. GettySource: Getty Images
FRIDAY
North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels, 7.50pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Cowboy Team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Coen Hess 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 19. Tomas Chester 20. Jake Granville 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Ben Hampton
Analysis: The Cowboys won the second week of the finals and headed into this one almost at full strength. Todd Payten has named the same 17 that beat the Sharks in a golden point thriller in Week 1. North Queensland veteran Jake Granville is between the reserves and Default Jamayne-Brown has been named the 18th Man.
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Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paul 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali ‘i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Jacob Arthur 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Martha Niukore 18. Makahesi Makatoa 19. Bailey Simonsson 20. Nathan Brown 21. Ofahiki Ogden 22. Ky Rodwell
Analysis: Brad Arthur has changed the bench for the club’s first preliminary final in 13 years with Bryce Cartwright played his first game since round 23. Tom Opacic (hamstring) has been named but will be closely monitored and if scratched expected Maratha Niukore will move to centers i Nathan Brown could earn a spot on the bench.
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SATURDAY
Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.50pm AEST at the Accor Stadium
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. J’maine Hopgood 21. Sunia Turuva 22. Chris Smith
Analysis: Ivan Cleary has replaced Taylan May (suspended) with Charlie Staines on the wing Spencer Leniu is free to play after accepting a fine for his high tackle. Uncle Koroisau has been named in the number 9 shirt but is expected to switch back to Mitchy Kenny on the day of the match.
Rabbitohs Team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Elias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow Cameron Murray 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Michael Chee Kam 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Davvy Moale 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Josh Mansour 21. Richard Kennar 22. Jacob Host
Analysis: Jason Demetriou has replaced Siliva Havili (groin) with Jed Cartwright, who will play his first game since round 20. Backrower Jai Arrow has overcome a groin problem, while
Star winger Alex Johnston (hip flexor) has been named but is racing against the clock to be fit. “I don’t think you can do it,” Johnston said. “It’s a muscle thing. I’m going to rest and do physio and rest. I knew when it happened it was a hip flexor. I’m on so much pain medication right now it’s ridiculous.”
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