Dean Byrne named as Barrett's
replacement

Premier League captain Dean Byrne has been named as replacement for the injured Trent Barrett at five-eighth in this Sunday's match against the Rabbitohs at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Byrne, 21 has been pushing for regular first grade selection following some sparkling efforts in the lower grade. Barrett's misfortune presents a huge opportunity for Byrne to cement a permanent spot in the big league. Barrett is now not expected to play again this season after surgery today to insert a pin his right ankle.

Meanwhile, Chris Nero, 22, will replace centre Mark Gasnier, who has been sidelined with a chipped bone in his kneecap and Luke Bailey returns to the starting line-up after being our for two weeks with a back injury.

Ian Donnelly will be dropped to the bench to make way for Bailey and Henry Perenara will be added to a bench of five, with one to be omitted.

Chris Leikvoll and Ashton Sims will be playing in Premier League.

TEAM LIST - DRAGONS V RABBITOHS - Sunday, May 25 SCG - 12.50pm Premier League; 3pm NRL

NRL (Rd 11) Coach: Nathan Brown

1. Ben HORNBY 2. Amos ROBERTS 3. Chris NERO 4. Matt COOPER 5. Hassan SALEH 6. Dean BYRNE 7. Brett FIRMAN 8. Luke BAILEY 9. Mark RIDDELL 10. Jason RYLES 11. Brent KITE 12. Lance THOMPSON (c) 13. Shaun TIMMINS

14. Ian DONNELLY 15. John CROSS 16. Dean YOUNG 17. Damien BOWER 18. Henry PERENARA

ONE TO BE OMITTED