Utility Tyrone Peachey has been thrust into the Penrith hooking role as coach Anthony Griffin attempts to adjust to the NRL club’s ongoing injury woes.
Peachey will fill the Panthers’ No.9 slot against Canterbury in the start to the NRL’s second round on Thursday night at Pepper Stadium in place of James Segeyaro who is expected to miss up to eight weeks with a broken arm.
The Bulldogs also have a new rake with Craig Garvey making his club debut in place of Michael Lichaa (knee). Forward David Klemmer returns from suspension for the Dogs.
In other news from teams named for the round two, Lachlan Croker will make his NRL debut for Canberra in their match against Sydney Roosters in the nation’s capital on Saturday afternoon.
Croker, the nephew of club great Jason replaced the injured Blake Austin (knee) at five-eighth.
Sam Williams moves into the Raiders halves alongside Croker in place of Aidan Sezer who is out with a facial injury.
For the Roosters Daniel Tupou (ankle) replaces Joe Burgess on the wing.
Luke Keary returns from suspension for South Sydney at halfback for the injured Adam Reynolds (jaw) to join Cody Walker at the scrumbase for Saturday night’s match against Newcastle at ANZ Stadium.
Jack Reed comes into the Brisbane centres for Jordan Kahu (calf) for Friday night’s Suncorp Stadium match against the Warriors. For the visitors, Raymond Faitala-Mariner is on the bench for Ben Henry (knee).
Parramatta playmaker Kieran Foran (hamstring) has been named to make his club debut in Saturday night’s Pirtek Stadium fixture with North Queensland. Corey Norman will play in the halves alongside Foran after overcoming a neck problem.
Jayson Bukuya will start at lock for Cronulla captain Paul Gallen (knee) for Sunday’s match at Shark Park against St George Illawarra.
Luke Brooks returns from suspension for Wests Tigers’ Monday night match against Manly at Leichhardt Oval to the delight of his halves partner Mitchell Moses.
“It is great to have him back,” Moses said.
“We have had a good pre-season together and I’m excited about playing alongside him.”
For the Sea Eagles, coach Trent Barrett has dropped Darcy Lussick and Blake Leary after Manly’s poor round one effort.
Brenton Lawrence and Josh Starling come into the side, with Jake Trbojevic shifted to lock.
