Here is some Garner clarity.
Scott Bailey
Wed, 21 May 2025 at 12:18 pm AEST·2-min read
A last-minute concussion has further dented Penrith's playing stocks, with Luke Garner's head knock leaving the Panthers without their five first-choice back-rowers.
Garner suffered a concussion at training on Tuesday, prompting confusion around the naming of their team to take on Newcastle.
It's understood the utility back-rower was ruled out by the doctor after the club entered him into the NRL's system to play in the No.11 jersey on Saturday.
That prompted the space to be left vacant on the NRL's website, with an automated system not allowing players to be named while they are in concussion protocols.
Preston Riki was subsequently elevated from the bench into Penrith's starting side, with former Wests Tigers forward Austin Dias brought onto the bench.
The head knock could not have come at a worse time for the Panthers.
Back-rower Scott Sorensen still has another week to serve for a shoulder-charge ban, as a result of electing to fight the sanction at the judiciary last month.
And to make matters worse, Isaiah Papali'i has suffered a knee injury which is set to rule him out for at least two weeks.
It means Riki will start in only his second NRL game, while Liam Henry has also moved from his regular position of prop into the second row.
Penrith will be missing their five first-choice back-rowers against Newcastle after an ill-timed concussion ruled another forward out of their Bathurst clash.
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