Panthers sweat on star forward’s fitness

martin gabor

Tue, 24 Sept 2024, 2:35 am·2-min read

Storm Setup and Training — Sua Fa'alogo could be a late inclusion on the bench after the Storm speedster was cleared of a hamstring injury for Friday’s preliminary final against the Roosters. Picture: Jason Edwards

Penrith back-rower Scott Sorensen could be a late inclusion for Saturday’s preliminary final showdown with Cronulla after being named on an extended bench having missed the qualifying final win over the Roosters with a hamstring injury .

Having had two weeks to recover, after the Panthers crushed the Roosters to earn their spot in the grand final decider, Sorensen had been named in the reserves.

He’ll likely be promoted to the starting side if he’s cleared to play, with Luke Garner expected to drop back to the bench which would then see Matt Eisenhuth likely omitted.

NRL Rd 6 - Panthers v Sea Eagles — Scott Sorensen is on track to return from a hamstring injury for Penrith’s preliminary final clash with Cronulla. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

The Panthers are looking to make a fifth-straight grand final and will have the added motivation of getting up for co-captain Isaah Yeo who will become the club’s most-capped player, while Dylan Edwards will celebrate game 150 in the NRL.

They face a Sharks side that is unchanged from the one that knocked out the Cowboys last week, with halfback Nicho Hynes to play his 100th game on Saturday.

It’s smooth sailing in the other preliminary final with the Roosters naming the same 17 that thrashed Manly, while the Storm have stuck solid with the squad which thrashed Cronulla in their qualifying final, but have included speedster Sua Fa’alogo in the reserves after he recovered from a hamstring injury.

NRLW Rd 9 - Eels v Roosters — Isabelle Kelly has been named for Sunday’s semi-final after there were fears her season could be over. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Meanwhile, there’s a huge boost in the NRLW with Roosters skipper Isabelle Kelly cleared of any serious elbow damage, with the strike centre named to start in Sunday’s semi-final against Newcastle.

There could be more good news with Jillaroos stars Jess Sergis (knee) and Tarryn Aiken (shoulder) named in the reserves.

The Knights are also set to welcome back key personnel with Nita Maynard and Rima Butler selected in the 17 after overcoming their respective injuries.