The Sydney Roosters have copped a massive blow ahead of their Anzac Day blockbuster against St George Illawarra with Luke Keary ruled out of the clash.
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Keary had copped a head knock and was off the field for the final 20 minutes of their thrilling one-point win over Melbourne.
Latrell Mitchell will wear the No.6 and partner Cooper Cronk in the halves however young playmaker Lachlan Lam has been named on the bench.
Keary has been arguably the form player of the competition in the opening six rounds and is being sized up by NSW coach Brad Fittler for a potential State of Origin debut.
His absence is offset by the return of Joseph Manu (suspension), in-form prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho (back) and hooker Jake Friend (shoulder).
The Dragons have named an unchanged side with coach Paul McGregor resisting the temptation to bring in goal-kicking outside back Zac Lomax after Tim Lafai's off night with the boot in their win over Manly.
Meanwhile, Parramatta winger Blake Ferguson has been named to return for Sunday's clash with Newcastle after he sat out Monday's 51-6 thumping of Wests Tigers due to a broken nose and rib injury.
Under-fire Brisbane have named Tevita Pangai Junior to return from suspension at lock for Saturday's clash with Cronulla while Matt Lodge (throat) has been included on an extended bench.
Interestingly, coach Anthony Seibold has also named 18-year-old playmaker Tom Dearden in the No.20 jersey and he could be a late inclusion.
Scott Sorensen has been named at second-row for Cronulla in place of the suspended Briton Nikora.
With Dean Whare (hamstring) out, Penrith have named Caleb Aekins at fullback and moved Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to the wing with Ivan Cleary resisting the temptation to recall out-of-form Dylan Edwards for Friday's match against South Sydney.
The Warriors will welcome back Blake Green (groin) for their Anzac Day match with Melbourne.
Wests Tigers have named hooker Robbie Farah to take on Gold Coast in Tamworth despite spending 71 minutes of their loss to the Eels on the sidelines with a head knock.
Benji Marshall has not been named to return from a hamstring injury.
Kevin Proctor takes Ryan James's (knee) spot in the Titans' starting pack.
Australian Associated Press
