Stephenson tipped to get call-up

Paul Stephenson is expected to beat Mitch Creary in the race to replace injured Manly centre Steve Bell for tonight's semi-final against St George Illawarra at Aussie Stadium.

Bell was ruled out yesterday due to a foot injury and Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler is set to move winger Chris Hicks into the centres and bring in Stephenson on the flank. Dragons coach Nathan Brown will also make some last minute adjustments to his side ? halfback Mathew Head is again expected to start from the bench with Michael Henderson and Sam Isemonger the two players likely to be omitted.

The Dragons go into the match as $1.48 favourites with betting agency Centrebet, the Eagles outsiders at $2.72. The winner of tonight's clash progresses to a meeting with minor premier Melbourne in next week's preliminary final at Telstra Stadium.