Live: Penrith pulls off shock switch for semifinal

The NRL finals continue on Sunday with minor premiers Penrith Panthers hosting the fourth-placed Sydney Roosters. The winner will host a preliminary final in two weeks and be just one win away from the grand final, while the loser will play Cronulla next week. The Roosters were victorious when the two clubs last met just over a month ago but will be without halfback Sam Walker, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 4:10pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 4:10pm4' Roosters just deny PanthersCleary goes straight through the middle, he's dragged down by the cover after showing Tedesco a dummy.The Panthers have them shot, they go left, Papali'i tries to throw a cut out to an umarked Jenkins but Nawaqanitawase just manages to intercept it.Hot start!Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 4:05pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 4:05pmAnd away we go!Let's get it on - Panthers kick us off, running right to left.Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 4:00pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 4:00pmCan Cole be the wildcard?Penrith are no strange to pulling off a late finals change and Jack Cole has the chance to join a fine tradition of late season heroes. Could Talagi be in the mix to do the same?Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:59pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:59pmTipsIt's hard to go past Penrith, but I can't get that match these two teams played just a few weeks ago out of my mind.I know they're without Walker and that's a blow but Savala has it in him to do the same job Walker did that night.The question, for me, is whether the Roosters can match the Panthers physically for long enough to strike and win the game late?I'm not writing them off, but I like Penrith to be a bit too composed and consistent. Let's say Penrith by eight with Casey McLean to score first and Jack Cole to land a try.Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:42pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:42pmWhat impact will Penrith's late change have?Talagi hasn't played much centre since joining Penrith, he's been used more as a five-eighth and lined up on the Panthers left edge.I would think he's over on the right side for this one, which means he'll be matched up with Billy Smith.Look for the Roosters to target that new combination early and often.Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:26pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:26pmFinal teams: Panthers pull off shock switchCouple of changes for both sides but the big one is in the backline for Penrith.Blaize Talagi, who hasn't really been sighted in recent weeks after falling out of favour is back at centre. Luke Garner drops out of the side completely.Liam Henry starts at prop and Lindsay Smith goes back to lock with Isaah Yeo moving back to the bench.Roosters have changed up a couple of things as well - Egan Butcher starts at second row with Salesi Foketi moving to the bench.Sun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:24pmSun 13 Sep 2026 at 3:24pmHello and welcome to the ABC's NRL finals live blogHey team, good to have you all here for the last game of the first week of the finals.We've got a blockbuster on our hands today, with the Panthers hosting the Roosters.The winners will host a preliminary final and just be one match away from the big one while the loser faces Cronulla next week in a sudden-death showdown.This is what it's all about. This is why we do it. Let's have some fun.