The battle between second and 12th looks to be a mismatch on recent form but the absence of five Panthers on Origin duty offers the Dragons hope of an upset.
With Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Brian To’o and Dylan Edwards in Blues camp and Nathan Cleary out injured, the Panthers’ renowned depth will again be tested as they look to navigate the tricky Origin period.
The Dragons will be without Maroons reps Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su’A as well as Blues debutant Zac Lomax so coach Shane Flanagan turns to son Kyle and Jesee Marschke in a new playmaking combination.
Having won just one of their past four games and conceded 138 points in the process the Dragons are in danger of losing touch with the top eight should they not be able to turn things around against the Panthers, Wests Tigers and Sea Eagles ahead of a Round 16 bye.
Panthers playmaker Jack Cole will be monitored after suffering a hamstring injury against the Sharks.
Panthers: Fullback Daine Laurie, winger Jesse McLean, halfback Brad Schneider and back-rowers Liam Henry and Lindsay Smith are the new faces in Ivan Cleary’s starting line-up with five stars away on Origin duty. Playmaker Trent Toelau will make his NRL debut off the bench alongside Preston Riki, Mavrik Geyer and Tyrone Peachey, who plays just his second game of the season.
Dragons: Sione Finau comes in on the wing for his second career game to replace NSW Blues debutant Zac Lomax while Max Feagai and brother Mat also join the backline in place of the injured Jack Bird and Mikaele Ravalawa, who has been relegated to the reserves. Jesse Marschke is the new halfback in Ben Hunt’s absence while Jack de Belin moves to prop to cover for Hame Sele (shoulder). With Jaydn Su’A on Maroons duty, Luciano Leilua joins the starting side as does Raymond Faitala-Mariner. The Couchman brothers Toby and Ryan have been added to the bench as has Ben Murdoch-Masila with Fa’amanu Brown moved to 18th man.
