Armed with just three NRL games, teenager Zac Lomax looks set to be handed arguably rugby league’s toughest assignment: stopping Greg Inglis.
The 18-year-old centre has been named to start in St George Illawarra’s NRL semi-final against Inglis’ South Sydney despite Euan Aitken’s return from a hamstring injury.
Lomax has been impressive since filling in for Aitken in round 25, ensuring a selection headache for Dragons coach Paul McGregor.
Lomax appears to have been given the nod after terrorising Brisbane’s defence in the Dragons’ stunning 48-18 elimination final win over Brisbane last week.
Lomax looks set to take up the goal-kicking from injured skipper Gareth Widdop (shoulder) but his defence may be called on most when he lines up against opposite number Inglis.
The Rabbitohs skipper is back to his inspirational best after overcoming a broken thumb and will be Lomax’s biggest test to date.
Aitken – considered a NSW Origin fringe player this year – has been named on an extended bench.
Kurt Mann replaces five-eighth Widdop (shoulder), and fitness concerns James Graham (concussion) and Jack de Belin (ankle) were also named.
Widdop looks set for a shoulder reconstruction but the Dragons have played down concerns for England prop Graham and NSW lock de Belin after they went down in last week’s romp.
Back-rower Tyson Frizell and rake Cameron McInnes will co-captain the Dragons in Widdop’s absence.
Hame Sele joins the Dragons bench while Kiwi veteran winger Jason Nightingale, who will retire at season’s end, is 18th man.
South Sydney named an unchanged team, with Inglis (ribs), Angus Crichton (neck) and Adam Reynolds (shoulder) cleared.
At Cronulla, Scott Sorensen replaces co-captain Wade Graham (knee) in the starting back row, while Kurt Capewell is back from injury and on the bench.
Graham is set for surgery this week after going down early in last week’s qualifying final loss to Sydney Roosters.
Centre Jesse Ramien is back from an ankle injury but was named 18th man.
Penrith have named an unchanged side despite Wayde Egan returning from a knee injury.
Tyrone May kept his bench utility spot over Egan and looks set to share rake duties with No.9 Sione Katoa.
