Country's star-studded backline slashed

NSW Country have been dealt a triple blow with star backs Brett Stewart, Jamie Lyon and Matt Cooper all ruled out of Friday night's clash with City.

Fullback Stewart (calf), and the centre pairing of Lyon (personal reasons) and Cooper (back) were all scratched at Monday morning's medical.

Cronulla's Brett Kearney moves from the bench to fullback while Joel Monaghan shifts from the wing to the centres.

His centre partner will be North Queensland's Ben Harris.

The Sydney Roosters' Amos Roberts comes into the side on the wing while St George Illawarra utility Ben Hornby comes onto the bench.