Penrith coach Ivan Cleary axed another of his big names with Lachlan Coote paying the price for an indifferent display against the Warriors on Monday.
Cleary has named a 20-man squad for the clash against Gold Coast at Skilled Park, with in-form young winger Josh Mansour named in the No.1 shirt at the expense of Coote.
The City representative fullback has been one of the Panthers’ better performers this year, but will play for Windsor Wolves in the NSW Cup this weekend.
Cleary also dumped NSW centre Michael Jennings to reserve grade last month after he failed to fire and also stripped Luke Lewis of the captaincy.
There has been speculation that Coote, 22, would be released by the salary-capped stricken Panthers, who have a number of their stars such as Lewis, Tim Grant, Jennings and Sam McKendry on huge contracts.
With the injured Michael Gordon on his way to Cronulla, it was expected Coote would be the club’s long-term custodian.
But Mansour now gets the opportunity to bolster his burgeoning reputation which has seen him score three tries in five games on the wing.
The Titans will have their three State of Origin representatives back for the clash with Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison and Nate Myles named in the side alongside Scott Prince, who missed last week’s loss to Cronulla.
Warriors workhorse Micheal Luck returns to action for the first time since last year’s grand final following off-season shoulder and wrist surgery.
Luck, who will retire at the end of the season, is included on the bench by coach Brian McClellan for the trip to Toyota Stadium where he’ll face the Sharks, who will have NSW pair Todd Carney and Paul Gallen back.
“It’s such a relief to be able to get out on the field after all this time,” Luck said.
“The last few months have been hugely frustrating so just being back in full training with the boys has been exciting and to now have the chance at last to play again couldn’t be better. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”
South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has named Luke Burgess in the starting line-up against Parramatta, as a replacement for his brother Sam, who is out for a month with a knee injury.
Chris McQueen will deputise for back-rower Eddie Pettybourne, who is out with a back problem.
George Burgess, who made his debut in the loss to Canterbury last month, is named on an extended bench that includes Nathan Peats and Shaune Corrigan.
