NRL Shake-Up: Cleary Out, Toelau In – Shock Selections, Injury Returns & High-Stakes Comebacks in Round 4

In a dramatic reshuffling of team lineups ahead of round four of the NRL, Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has made a surprise call to name Trent Toelau as the starting halfback for their match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Toelau will step in for Nathan Cleary, who is sidelined after suffering a head knock during last week’s loss to the Melbourne Storm. The decision to go with Toelau over new recruit Blaize Talagi is a bit of a shock, especially considering Talagi’s solid performance off the bench in Melbourne. Many expected either Talagi or Brad Schneider to be given the nod alongside Jack Cole, but Cleary’s faith in Toelau is evident. Despite the competition, Cleary emphasized the club’s confidence in Talagi’s future, acknowledging his potential but also noting that he’s still a work in progress.

In another major development, South Sydney will welcome back try-scoring machine Alex Johnston, who missed the beginning of the season due to an Achilles injury. Johnston’s return is a significant boost for the Rabbitohs, with superstar Latrell Mitchell expected to rejoin the squad next week.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm has been forced to make a key change in their spine. Jahrome Hughes will miss the game against the Dragons due to a broken hand, leading Craig Bellamy to name Tyran Wishart as the starting halfback. Both Eli Katoa and Grant Anderson have recovered from injury concerns to retain their spots in the 17-man squad.

Manly Sea Eagles fans can breathe a sigh of relief as superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic is back in the lineup after a brief absence due to hamstring tightness. However, it’s been a tough 24 hours for the club off the field, and Trbojevic’s return provides a much-needed lift.

The Gold Coast Titans are facing a challenging setback with fullback Keano Kini set to see a specialist after suffering a neck injury. Jaylen de Groot has been named to replace Kini in the team for their clash with the Sydney Roosters, who are also making a change, with Zach Dockar-Clay coming in for Connor Watson, who has been sidelined due to a head knock.

For the Brisbane Broncos, Kotoni Staggs returns from injury to replace the injured Deine Mariner, while David Klemmer is set to make his debut for the St. George Illawarra Dragons off the bench against the Storm. The Canberra Raiders have been buoyed by the return of Joseph Tapine from suspension, though they’ve lost Morgan Smithies to a head knock. Lastly, the Cronulla Sharks will welcome Tom Hazelton in place of Braden Hamlin-Uele, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Despite Siosifa Talakai being cleared of serious ankle damage, the Sharks’ depth continues to be tested as the season progresses.