Arabic version: فرسان نيوكاسل الشبان يواجهون اختبار النهائيات أمام جنوب سيدني

According to ABC News, Newcastle’s young forwards are preparing for their first NRL finals test against South Sydney on Friday night, with Francis Manuleleua set to push through a dislocated right elbow after being cleared of a fracture. The 22-year-old was named on Tuesday for the sudden-death semifinal.

Manuleleua has played 11 NRL matches and will face a Rabbitohs pack containing players with extensive Test, Origin and finals experience. South Sydney’s starting forwards include Cameron Murray, Junior Tatola, David Fifita and Keaon Koloamatangi, who have each played 150 NRL games or more. Manuleleua said he was keen for the challenge, including South Sydney’s edge featuring Fifita, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton and Cody Walker.

Since becoming a regular starter in Round 20 following Dylan Lucas’s ankle injury, Manuleleua has recorded six line breaks, two tries, five try assists and 23 tackle busts in six games. His return to New Zealand against the Warriors was also his first NRL match in front of more than 25 family members and friends.

Starting prop Cody Hopwood, 20, will also play the biggest game of his life after starting seven of his 14 matches this season. The Maitland junior, who represented New South Wales Under 19s twice, said he had expected to play only two or three games in 2026. He will be joined by fellow Maitland product Lachlan Crouch, while Newcastle will rely on the experience of 300-game forward Tyson Frizell and lock Matt Croker.

Newcastle’s pack has been hit by the absences of Dylan Lucas, Trey Mooney and Jacob Saifiti through injury and suspension. Hopwood said the town was excited for Friday night and that he wanted to repay the faith shown in him. He recalled watching the Knights’ last finals win three years ago as a 17-year-old and hopes to help create another lasting moment for supporters.