Brent Naden is set to be the 18th man for the Penrith Panthers in this weekend's NRL grand final clash with South Sydney.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Wellington junior wasn't expected to be named in the starting lineup after not being in the 17 during last weekend's semi-final win over Melbourne, but some injuries in the Panthers camp this week had created a little uncertainty.
Naden, who has played in the centre and on the wing this season, will be 18th man again as the only change for the Panthers is in the forward pack.
Tevita Pangai Jnr has succumbed to a knee injury suffered last weekend and will miss the decider.
READ ALSO:
Moses Leota returns from a calf complaint to take Pangai Jnr's place in the front row.
Dubbo juniors Isaah Yeo and Matt Burton, fresh from being named in the NRL Team of the Year at Monday's Dally M night, were again named in the lock and at centre respectively.
While Naden's omission may not be a huge shock, it's still a blow for the versatile outside back after he was an unchanged interchanged in last year's decider.
Naden started on the bench last year but didn't see a second of action during the 26-20 defeat.
He could still get a chance to take the field on Sunday, as each side named a reserve who can enter the match should three other players exit the match through concussion or should a player be ruled out mid-game due to an act from a opposition player that results in a sin-binning or send off.
Regardless of whether he takes the field or not on Sunday, the weekend is Naden's last one with the Panthers.
He, and Panthers teammate Burton, will link up with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2022.
The Souths side is unchanged from the semi-final win, with halfback Adam Reynolds right to go despite a niggling groin injury which limited his kicking ability last weekend.
Sunday's grand final kicks off at 7.30pm.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
