Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou is sweating on the fitness of three key stars after their sudden-death victory over the Sharks.
Panthers young gun Taylan May will miss the grand final rematch, while Brad Arthur could pull a big switch after an outside back’s injury.
Read below for your preliminary finals team tips!
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FRIDAY
North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels, 7.50pm AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium Stadium
Cowboys qualifying final team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 15. Tom Gilbert 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 11. Luciano Leilua 14. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 16. Coen Hess 17. Griffin Neame
Team Tips: The Cowboys got through their 93-minute contest with the Sharks unscathed two weekends ago and will likely field the same 17. Todd Payten has also been making late changes, with Tom Gilbert slotting into the starting side for Luciano Leilua. Expect the North Queensland side to do the same.
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Marata Niukore 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Jakob Arthur 16. Oregon Kaufusi
Team Tips: Parramatta centre Tom Opacic looks set to miss the club’s preliminary finals clash after suffering a hamstring injury last week. The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio revealed the 28-year-old could return should the Eels make it to the grand final. Riccio also said Brad Arthur could make a shock play to fill his centre void, slotting Marata Niukore into the outside backs. “The one I understand that he’s favouring and will name tomorrow on team-list Tuesday is playing Marata Niukore,” Riccio said on SEN. “The bigger body, the back-rower, in the centres, keeping Waqa Blake on the wing.” Bailey Simonsson is another option to take a spot on the wing, with Blake shifting to the centres. If Niukore moves into the backs, Bryce Cartwright or Nathan Brown will likely slot onto the bench.
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SATURDAY
Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.50pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Panthers qualifying final team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 14. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 9. Apisai Koroisau 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon
Team Tips: Young gun Taylan May will his side’s huge grand final rematch after he was handed a one-game suspension for a high tackle on Eels flyer Will Penisini. The 21-year-old also suffered a hamstring injury and could be in doubt for the grand final should Penrith beat the Rabbitohs this week. Rookie Sunia Turuva and flyer Charlie Staines are the two most likely candidates to fill the void.
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Last week’s Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Michael Chee Kam 17. Siliva Havili
Team Tips: The Rabbitohs are sweating on the fitness of a number of players after a big win over the Sharks. Utility Siliva Havili suffered a calf injury, but Jason Demetriou is confident he will be fit to play in the preliminary final. If he is unable to take the field, young gun Peter Mamouzelos could be the man to take the No.14 jersey. Jai Arrow also had a groin niggle but is set to play, while flyer Alex Johnston suffered a hip flexor injury. “AJ has a hip flexor but again, not serious, fingers crossed we can get stuck into the rehab and fingers crossed we can get them all back,” Jason Demetriou said in the post-match press conference. Jaxson Paulo or Izaac Thompson could slot into Johnston’s place if he is ruled out.
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