PARRA HAND REPRIEVE TO DUMPED STAR

RYAN Matterson has earned a reprieve from Parramatta coach Brad Arthur, with the star backrower named to return for the Eels’ suddendeath clash with Penrith on Saturday night.

Matterson, who was left out of the 17 for last week’s finals opener against Newcastle, will take his place on the bench for Friday night at the expense of prop Makahesi Makatoa.

The 26-year-old was suspended for a high tackle on Manly’s Brad Parker in round 22 and has not played since.

The Panthers have been bolstered by reinforcements with prop Moses Leota and fullback Dylan Edwards, both late scratchings for last week’s shock loss to Souths, named to make their return.

Stephen Crichton will move from fullback to wing with Charlie Staines dropping out of the team.

Meanwhile, the casualty ward at the Roosters has continued to grow with star prop Sio Suia Taukeiaho ruled out of their match against Manly on Friday with a leg injury.

Taukeiaho has been replaced on the bench by Nat Butcher.

The Sea Eagles have made just one change from the side that lost to Melbourne Storm last Friday, with Lachlan Croker returning from a back injury at hooker.