We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Luke Garner is out for Panthers vs. Knights due to concussion; team reshuffled.
Luke Garner has been ruled out of the Panthers' team for their game against the Knights on Saturday in Bathurst after confusion over a concussion he suffered at training on Tuesday.
THURSDAY MAY 22
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has now been forced into a reshuffle, with his team already depleted due to State of Origin, with five stars missing.
Read on for the Early Mail Round 12
.
Teams face a crucial eight weeks, influenced by State of Origin and potential future stars.
For many teams, the next eight weeks could make or break their season.
Fox League's Steve 'Blocker Roach' said that for all the challenges that Origin poses, it is also one of his favourite times of the year - and not just for the passion that it brings out of both states.
While the Penrith Panthers are no strangers to having their line-up decimated by State of Origin, 2025 will be different with the four-time premiers sitting outside of the top eight.
The Roosters are also hit hard by Origin and face a daunting task as they look to push for a finals berth, while the opposite is true for some of the league's top contenders.
But the Origin period also can unearth the stars of the future. Jarome Luai, for example, had his standout game in 2018 as he scored twice in a 36-4 upset win over the Warriors.
Hudson Young aims to establish himself in State of Origin after past challenges with the NSW Blues.
He's been the proverbial scapegoat in years gone by for the NSW Blues, but this time Hudson Young wants to "cement" himself in the State of Origin arena long-term.
The tough Raiders star made his debut in the 2023 series, playing in the first two games which the Blues lost, before being axed for the dead-rubber by Brad Fittler.
Last year, Young was selected on the bench for the opening game of the series as NSW were soundly beaten after being reduced to 12 men due to Joseph Suaalii's send off.