Edwards, May and Cleary firm for Panthers
Penrith star fullback Dylan Edwards is expected to be cleared of a hamstring injury in a boost for the reigning premiers ahead of Saturday’s clash against North Queensland.
Edwards sent a scare through the Panthers camp after he was taken from the field in last weekend’s 22-6 win over the Wests Tigers with four minutes left to play.
The fullback is said to have felt some tightness in his hamstring and was given an early shower as a precaution.
Edwards has not been sent for scans at this stage but players were given Monday off and medical staff will assess the No.1 on his return to training on Tuesday.
Coach Ivan Cleary has a number of options to replace Edwards if the fullback is eventually ruled out.
Winger Sunia Turuva is a capable fullback, while the highly-regarded Isaiah Iongi has been biding his time in the No.1 jumper in reserve grade.
New signing Paul Alamoti made his club debut against the Tigers at centre in the absence of Taylan May.
May was withdrawn from last Saturday’s clash due to “personal reasons.”
The club insisted May’s late omission was not in relation to a social media controversy, where the centre posted a video from within a high powered sports car speeding through a residential area. May was not driving and there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on his behalf.
The return of May will likely see Alamoti drop out of the starting side. If Edwards doesn’t play and Turuva is favoured at fullback both Alamoti and May are in line for selection.
Superstar halfback Nathan Cleary is also in line to make a return from a hamstring injury that has kept the key playmaker sidelined since round four.
-Fatima Kdouh