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Scott Bailey

Nathan Cleary in contention for NRL return

Nathan Cleary has been named on an extended bench for Penrith's NRL clash with Newcastle. (AAP)

Nathan Cleary could be a shock inclusion for Penrith's top-of-the-table NRL clash with Newcastle after being named on the Panthers' extended bench.

Cleary featured on a Penrith team list for the first time this year on Tuesday, named in jersey No.24 after missing the first two rounds through injury.

The Panthers had initially planned to sit him out for the opening three weeks but his inclusion does open the door for him to play on Saturday against the undefeated Knights.

It is one of two potential boosts for the Panthers with James Fisher-Harris also named to start despite suffering a shoulder injury in the team's win over St George Illawarra.

Young gun Taylan May has claimed Brian To'o's wing spot, with the NSW State of Origin star to miss up to eight weeks with a knee injury.

Newcastle have also received two big ins for the headline clash with Kalyn Ponga back from a knee injury at fullback and Daniel Saifiti named to play his first game of the year at prop.

Moses Mbye will be the Dragons' makeshift hooker with Andrew McCullough to miss the clash with Cronulla because of an elbow injury.

The Dragons have also dropped George Burgess back to an extended bench.

Matt Moylan has won the race for the Sharks' No.6 jersey, with Braydon Trindall named on the bench in his return from suspension.

At the Wests Tigers, Michael Maguire has opted against making mass changes following his team's heavy defeat against Newcastle.

Jacob Liddle has returned from his knee injury at hooker and pushed Jake Simpkin to the bench, while Luke Garner also comes into the second row for the concussed Kelma Tuilagi.

Their opponents in the Warriors have changed their halves for the third straight week, with Kodi Nikorima coming back in as Ash Taylor battles a hip injury.

Canberra have also welcomed Nick Cotric and Jordan Rapana back to their wings for Saturday night's clash with Gold Coast while halfback Brad Schneider returns from COVID-19.

And the Sydney Roosters have also received good news ahead of their big match against South Sydney, with Joey Manu (knee), Connor Watson (shoulder) and Sitili Tupouniua (head knock) all named to play.

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