Late Mail: Round 5 v Panthers — Penrith Panthers not in late lists as Broncos land Payne Haas boost
The Round 5 late mail lands with fresh movement across multiple squads and no entries for penrith panthers in this dispatch. The headline move: Payne Haas has been cleared to return for the Broncos against the Titans, while the Gold Coast await the possible absence of halfback Jayden Campbell. The Dragons have left young Kade Reed on the extended bench as they manage player development and injury risk.
Top late developments and team changes
Broncos coaches confirmed Payne Haas will play after missing last week’s match with a shoulder issue; he trained strongly over recent sessions and is back in the 17 named for the clash with the Titans. The Broncos’ listed 1–17 includes Reece Walsh, Deine Mariner, Kotoni Staggs and Ezra Mam, with Payne Haas at prop.
The Titans’ squad shows potential disruption: Jayden Campbell is listed but may be unavailable as his partner is overdue. The Titans named Keano Kini, Sialetili Faeamani, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson and Phillip Sami among others on the extended list; a late change is possible depending on Campbell’s personal circumstances.
St George Illawarra named a full 17 for their match with the Cowboys at Jubilee Stadium and kept 20-year-old Kade Reed on the extended bench rather than rushing him into first-grade minutes. The Dragons’ lineup includes Clinton Gutherson, Christian Tuipulotu, Moses Suli and Valentine Holmes, with several cut players listed on the extended bench.
Immediate reactions from coaches and players
Shane Flanagan, coach of the St George Illawarra Dragons, commented on Reed’s development: “I like him as a player, but he also has some areas of his game to work on. When he is ready I will use him, trust me – but I also have a duty of care to look after the long-term development of Kade. His time will come. ”
Jayden Campbell, halfback for the Gold Coast Titans, described the situation around his partner’s due date and its impact on preparations: “I’m hoping he gets here before the game. It was a pretty stressful time going up to Townsville. Being close to the due date and flying up to Townsville for a few nights was pretty stressful. ”
Quick context
This late mail covers Round 5 selections and late changes for matches including St George Illawarra Dragons vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Jubilee Stadium and Gold Coast Titans vs. Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium. Several players were named on extended benches and a number of players were cut from final squads in the lists provided.
What’s next
Expect last-minute tweaks as clubs finalise travel and personal circumstances: the Titans may withdraw Jayden Campbell if the personal situation requires it, while the Broncos will move forward with Payne Haas in the front row. The Dragons will monitor Kade Reed’s readiness as they balance immediate needs with long-term development, and match-day teams will be confirmed in the final late mail ahead of kick-off. penrith panthers receive no entries in this round’s late mail; further updates will follow if that changes in subsequent dispatches.
