Two sides with the greatest Origin representation, the Panthers and Cowboys have both made a big call on their stars as they head into a Sunday showdown at BlueBet Stadium.
With three full days to recover from Game Two, coach Ivan Cleary will welcome back Isaah Yeo but has rested Liam Martin, Brian To'o and Dylan Edwards, who all helped the Blues to victory on Wednesday.
Such is Penrith's depth however that despite missing halfback Nathan Cleary for the past seven weeks, the Premiers still sit comfortably in second on the ladder with the likes of Brad Schneider, Daine Laurie and Liam Henry to again step up.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, should have every confidence in whoever pulls the jersey on for Sunday's clash after his side downed the Roosters with a host of rookies and replacements in Round 13.
North Queensland will also be looking to continue the form they delivered against the Raiders in Round 15 before finally having a chance to rest some weary bodies with their first bye for the season.
Team News
Panthers: Captain Isaah Yeo is the only Origin rep backing up after a raft of changes when the squad was trimmed 24 hours before kick-off. Daine Laurie replaces fullback Dylan Edwards, Casey McLean comes onto the wing for Brian To'o, Brad Scheider starts at halfback in place of Jarome Luai and Liam Henry steps in for second-rower Liam Martin. Mitch Kenny and Jack Cole will both return from quad injuries in a boost for the side. There were no changes to the 17 in Sunday afternoon's update, however Yeo has dropped back to the bench, with Matt Eisenhuth to start at lock.
Cowboys: All of the Cowboys Origin stars will also be rested from the game having initially been named among the reserves, including Jeremiah Nanai (calf). Jordan McLean (calf) will return in the middle. Winger Kyle Feldt needs just one try to become the third player in premiership history to score 10 or more tries in nine consecutive seasons. There were no changes for the Cowboys one hour from kick off.
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Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won 14 of their past 16 games at BlueBet Stadium.
- The Cowboys have not won at BlueBet Stadium since 2016.
- Panthers playmaker Jarome Luai has won five from five against the Cowboys.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt requires one try to reach 10 tries for the ninth straight season.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored 23 tries in his past 17 games at BlueBet Stadium.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.