NRL Team Lists: Finals Week 1

Official team lists, updates and injury news for Week 1 of the 2023 Telstra Premiership Finals Series.

NRL Team Lists: Finals Week 1

Qualifying Final: Broncos v Storm, Friday 7.50pm at Suncorp Stadium

Broncos: Captain Adam Reynolds (calf) and lock Patrick Carrigan (foot) have been named to return, alongside the contingent of stars held back from playing in Round 27. With Kotoni Staggs returning from suspension in the centres, Jesse Arthars shifts out to the wing and Corey Oates drops to 18th Man. Despite being charged with three separate offences last week, Brendan Piakura is good to go after each charge drew a monetary fine rather than a risk of suspension. Keenan Palasia gets the nod on the bench ahead of Corey Jensen.

Storm: Kiwi Test half Jahrome Hughes (knee) has been named to play and is among 12 changes to the side that defeated the Broncos in Round 27. Star hooker Harry Grant (shoulder) has also been named while Nick Meaney, Will Warbrick, Young Tonumaipea, Marion Seve, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Tui Kamikamica, Christian Welch, Trent Loiero, Eli Katoa and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are all back after being rested last week. Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named on the bench as expected and will add X-factor for Craig Bellamy. The versatile Tyran Wishart is 18th Man.

Qualifying Final: Panthers v Warriors, Saturday 4.05pm at BlueBet Stadium

Panthers: Hooker Mitch Kenny (leg) and back-rower Scott Sorensen (leg) are back on deck but Jarome Luai (shoulder) remains sidelined. Jack Cogger will again wear the No.6 jersey on the back of three try assists and three line break assists in the win over the Cowboys. Luke Sommerton and Luke Garner are listed among the reserves after filling in for Kenny and Sorensen last week. Jaeman Salmon is 18th Man.

Warriors: Halfback Shaun Johnson returns to steer the ship alongside Te Maire Martin, who will all the better for his hit-out against the Dolphins. Skipper Tohu Harris (back spasms) is also back on deck along with the rested brigade of fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, prop Addin Fonua-Blake, hooker Wayde Egan and back-rower Jackson Ford. Bench forward Jazz Tevaga returns after missing three games with a hamstring injury.

Elimination Final: Sharks v Roosters, Saturday 7.50pm at PointsBet Stadium

Sharks: Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has named the same 17 that downed the Raiders but star fullback Will Kennedy looks set to return from a hamstring injury after being listed among the reserves. Connor Tracey played five games at fullback in Kennedy’s absence but suffered a knee injury against the Raiders and looks unlikely to be available.

Roosters: After failing in his bid to be declared fit for Round 27, star centre Joey Manu (hamstring) has been named and will be given every opportunity to take the field. With veteran winger Daniel Tupou out due to the knee injury he suffered in the lead-up to Round 27, Junior Pauga will play his first ever finals match. Forward Fletcher Baker is available after being hit with a monetary fine for a Grade 1 Dangerous Throw charge stemming from the win over the Rabbitohs. Drew Hutchison is 18th Man.

Elimination Final: Knights v Raiders, Sunday 4.05pm at McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights: Star fullback Kalyn Ponga (shoulder), halfback Jackson Hastings (ankle) and back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) have all been named to return in a huge boost for the Knights. Should there be any late dramas for Ponga and Hastings then Lachlan Miller and Adam Clune are among the reserves. Tyson Frizell, Dane Gagai and Phoenix Crossland are back after being rested in Round 27 so Enari Tuala and Dylan Lucas move to the reserves and Fa’amanu Brown drops out. Bench forward Mat Croker left the field for a HIA inside the final 15 minutes but has been named to play.

Raiders: With Seb Kris banned for five matches for the tackle on Sione Katoa that resulted in him being sent off at PointsBet Stadium on Sunday, James Schiller comes in on the wing after a two-try haul in NSW Cup on Saturday. Albert Hopoate is listed among the reserves and could be a late call-up. The loss of Josh Papalii (biceps) and Corey Horsburgh (suspended) has tested the club’s forward depth with Ata Mariota and Hohepa Puru named to start after being promoted to the run-on side against the Sharks.