Yeo, Staggs won't back up from Origin

Penrith’s Isaah Yeo won’t back up from Origin I when the Panthers face Newcastle on Sunday after a nasty collision in State of Origin 1.

Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Newcastle after an ugly head knock in State of Origin 1.

Yeo, who has a history of concussion, was cleared by the on-field doctor and wasn’t taken off for assessment despite clearly stumbling back into the NSW line after the first hit-up of the game.

Blues assistant coach and Penrith board member Greg Alexander told SEN radio: “He won’t play.”

No call has yet been made on halfback Nathan Cleary, who copped a pasting from Queensland in Wednesday night’s defeat, but the likes of Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Liam Martin and Jarome Luai are likely to figure.

With the game not until Sunday, Newcastle are expected to pick Queensland duo Dane Gagai and club captain Kalyn Ponga.

North Queensland Cowboys’ Maroons debutants Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter have been given the week off, with Valentine Holmes touch-and-go heading into Friday’s game against a St George Illawarra side without Tariq Sims. 

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin said he wouldn’t “take any risks” with skipper Ben Hunt. 

Brisbane have opted to rest Queensland back-rower Kurt Capewell, while Kotoni Staggs won’t play against Canberra on Saturday after he picked up a shoulder complaint on his NSW debut.

Payne Haas, Selwyn Cobbo and Pat Carrigan will all take the field for the Broncos against a Raiders side expecting to have Jack Wighton and Josh Papalii at their disposal.

“They (Wighton and Papalii) are both in good spirits,” said Canberra coach Ricky Stuart. “Papa didn’t get as much game time as expected so he’ll be fine, but Jack’s pretty sore.”

Both Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy are expecting to have their Origin stars available for Saturday’s game at the SCG.

Maroons winger Xavier Coates won’t be fit for the Storm after picking up an ankle injury in Wednesday’s win.

South Sydney, meanwhile, have cleared Damien Cook and Cameron Murray to play the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday.

With a long turnaround until Monday’s game with Canterbury, Parramatta trio Reagan-Campbell Gillard, Junior Paulo and Ryan Matterson are expected to play. 

By: George Clarke, AAP