St George Illawarra Dragons second-rower Will Matthews will make his first appearance in the NRL this season against the Brisbane Broncos at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Friday.
The Kyogle Turkeys junior has been playing with the Illawarra Cutters this season and replaces Tyson Frizell for the top-of-the-table clash after the latter pleaded guilty to the “High Tackle - Careless” charge from the NRL Match Review Committee.
Frizell however will contest the grading on Wednesday night.
Furthermore, Peter Mata’Utai, who played for both the Cutters and then the first-grade team last round after the late injury to winger Jason Nightingale in the warm-up to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs match, has retained his place on the wing.
Nightingale will be sidelined for at least two weeks rehabilitating his foot injury.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to play my part in the NRL team on Friday night,” said Matthews.
"The Broncos are in great form, they are are on top of the table for a reason and all the boys are really looking forward to the challenge.
"Hopefully we will have a big crowd in Kogarah to help us out on the night.”
1. Josh Dugan
2. Eto Nabuli
3. Euan Aitken
4. Dylan Farrell
5. Peter Mata'utia
6. Gareth Widdop
7. Benji Marshall
8. Leeson Ah Mau
9. Mitch Rein
10. Ben Creagh (c)
11. Will Matthews
12. Joel Thompson
13. Trent Merrin
14. George Rose
15. Jack de Belin
16. Jake Marketo
17. Heath L'Estrange
Unavailable: Mike Cooper (Hamstring - Round 8); Dan Hunt (Knee - TBC); Dane Nielsen (Suspended); Jason Nightingale (Foot - Round 9).
