Penrith punish rusty Roosters
92 mins ago | Aidan Edgecomb
The Dragons have made two changes this week, with former international centre Mark Gasnier back after a month on the injury bench and a 12th NRL rookie named for the important round 24 Telstra Premiership clash with the Storm at WIN Stadium on Friday night.
Gasnier, 22, has not played since he tore his quad muscle against the Eels in round 18. He replaces Chris Nero in the starting line-up.
Thirroul junior backrower/hooker Ryan Powell, 21, could become the 12th player to make his NRL debut for the Dragons this season if he is chosen from a bench of five (one to be omitted). He replaces Ian Donnelly, who will play Premier League.
Powell was Jersey Flegg captain last season and has been playing Premier League this year. He has been named on the interchange bench along with Ashton Sims, Henry Perenara, Craig Stapleton and John Cross.
Nathan Blacklock will become the second player to play 100 games for the joint venture Dragons against the Storm, and in doing so will be equal with Trent Barrett for most games for the Dragons. Barrett reached the century mark against the Panthers on May 11 and has not played since
TEAM LIST - Friday, August 22 - WIN Stadium 7.30pm NRL: DRAGONS V STORM; 5.30pm Premier League: Dragons v Wests
NRL (Rd 24) Coach: Nathan Brown 1 Ben HORNBY 2. Nathan BLACKLOCK 3. Mark GASNIER 4. Matt COOPER 5. Ben CREAGH 6. Shaun TIMMINS 7. Brett FIRMAN 8. Chris LEIKVOLL 9. Mark RIDDELL 10. Luke BAILEY 11. Brent KITE 12. Lance THOMPSON (c) 13. Dean YOUNG INTERCHANGE 14. Ashton SIMS 15. Ryan POWELL 16. Henry PERENARA 17. Craig STAPLETON 18. John CROSS * ONE TO BE OMITTED
Premier League (Rd 20) Coach: Michael Potter 1. David HOWELL 2. John WILSHERE 3. Chris NERO 4. Mark CHRISTENSEN 5 Etuate UAISELE 6. Mathew HEAD 7. Dean BYRNE 8. Ian DONNELLY 9. Damien BOWER 10. Steven SOUTHERN 11. Bryan NORRIE 12. Nathan TUTT 13. Peter ELLIS INTERCHANGE 14. Jason Ellem