Overview
- Rookie halfback Kade Reed ruptured a finger tendon and underwent surgery that could sideline him for up to three months.
- Reed is not expected to be named for the Magic Round match against the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
- Interim coach Dean Young plans to recall Kyle Flanagan to the halves to cover Reed’s absence.
- Daniel Atkinson missed the Newcastle defeat with a hand issue, returned to training, and is expected to start alongside Flanagan.
- St George Illawarra are winless at the foot of the table and carry a 13-game losing streak against Penrith, adding pressure on the new halves pairing to lift their attack.