Panthers face Eels without Edwards in NRL Round 21
Panthers and Eels prepare for Round 21 clash
The Penrith Panthers are set to face the Parramatta Eels in Round 21 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership at CommBank Stadium. This upcoming match, scheduled for Thursday at 7:50 PM, will see the Panthers without their fullback, Dylan Edwards, who has been ruled out due to injury. Edwards sustained a head cut during the previous week’s game against the Broncos, an injury that required 10 stitches.
In response to Edwards’ absence, Thomas Jenkins will step into the fullback position for the Panthers. This change also results in Paul Alamoti moving to the wing and Izack Tago joining the team at centre. Additionally, Jaxen Edgar has been added to the interchange bench for the Panthers. The team will also be without Mitch Kenny, who is expected to be out for a couple more weeks with a leg injury, meaning Freddy Lussick will continue as the starting hooker for his eleventh consecutive game. Winger Brian To’o is approaching a significant milestone, needing just one try to reach a century of tries in the NRL.
The Eels, on the other hand, will see the return of key players. Star playmaker Mitch Moses is set to play his thirteenth game of the season, returning from a corked thigh. He will face off against his Blues halves partner, Nathan Cleary. Five-eighth Ronald Volkman has cleared concussion protocols after a head knock in the game against the Roosters before the bye, and Luca Moretti also returns from a concussion to the bench. Will Penisini remains in the squad and has a chance to return from Osteitis Pubis, an injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 9.
Other key team changes for Round 21
Several other teams have announced significant changes for Round 21. The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been forced into a major reshuffle for their crucial match against the Storm. This is due to the suspension of David Fifita and injuries to Cameron Murray and Tallis Duncan. Latrell Siegwalt, a goalkicking centre, is set to play his seventh career game, while Lachlan Hubner will start at lock. Liam Le Blanc is also expected to be called up for the Rabbitohs.
Meanwhile, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has recalled experienced playmaker Jake Clifford to partner Tom Dearden in the halves. This pairing is set for a showdown against the Broncos at a sold-out Queensland Country Bank Stadium. These adjustments highlight the strategic decisions being made by coaches as teams navigate injuries and suspensions during this critical phase of the competition.
In another notable fixture, the Newcastle Knights will host the Sydney Roosters on Friday at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Knights will be without veteran centre Dane Gagai due to calf tightness, with Fletcher Hunt stepping into the No.3 jersey. Cody Hopwood returns from a calf injury to the bench, and Sandon Smith is named in the No.14 jersey, hoping for game time after being unused in the previous match against the Sharks. The Knights have a strong home record, having won their last five games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Roosters will welcome back skipper James Tedesco, who has cleared concussion protocols. Centre Rob Toia also returns after being rested following Origin duties last week. Cody Ramsey and Hugo Savala have been moved from the main squad. The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Round 21 also features a double-header on Friday afternoon, with the Newcastle Knights hosting the Sydney Roosters before the Parramatta Eels take on the competition leaders, the Penrith Panthers. Three matches are scheduled for Saturday, including the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs against the Warriors at 1:15 PM, and the round concludes on Sunday with the Sea Eagles hosting the Newtown Jets and the North Sydney Bears facing the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Match officials for the Eels versus Panthers game include referee Gerard Sutton, touch judge Kasey Badger, and senior review official Ashley Klein. For the Knights versus Roosters match, Wyatt Raymond will serve as referee, with Drew Oultram and Belinda Sharpe as touch judges, and Chris Butler as the senior review official.
NSW Cup Round 21 team lists
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Round 21 also sees several team changes. For the Knights in the NSW Cup, Toby Winter has been added to the squad. The Roosters have brought in Jaxson Allen, Kanaan Magele, Rex Bassingthwaighte, and Tommy Talau for their NSW Cup fixture. The Eels NSW Cup team sees the inclusion of Damascus Neemia, Jackson Koina, Jonah Pezet, Max Fuimaono Popo, and Will Penisini.
The Panthers NSW Cup squad has added Jaxen Edgar and Keahn Skipps. In the match between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Warriors in the NSW Cup, the Bulldogs have included Finau Latu, Jake Turpin, Joseph Teaupa, and Nick O’Meley. The Warriors NSW Cup team has added Eddie Ieremia-Toeava to their lineup. These team adjustments are crucial as only six rounds remain before the finals series begins in the NSW Cup.
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Source: nrl.com
