NRL ROUND 24 TEAMS: Cowboys drop Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson back for Warriors, James Fisher-Harris back for Panthers

Chad Townsend has paid the price for North Queensland’s collapse against Brisbane, dropped from the halves as the Cowboys fight to stay in the NRL top eight.

Jake Clifford has been named at halfback for Saturday’s crucial clash with Canberra, leaving Townsend on an extended bench.

The move come after veteran Townsend endured a difficult night in the 42-18 capitulation to Brisbane, leaving them seventh on the ladder.

Townsend missed five tackles and had an unhappy night with the boot in general play.

The Cowboys should still make the finals with a round-25 bye, but a loss to the Raiders would put them at risk of dropping out as they face ladder-leaders Melbourne and resurgent Canterbury in the final two rounds.

Townsend is in his last season at the Cowboys, with Clifford the favourite to wear the No.7 jersey next season and he has impressed in Queensland Cup.

“Both of our halves at the (Northern) Pride have done really well over the past eight to 10 weeks, they are at the top of the comp,” coach Todd Payten said.

“Jake has just got his nose in front (of Thomas Duffy) there, he has got his opportunity through tackling well, kicking well and talking well.”

The Cowboys have lost Jeremiah Nanai (concussion) for the Raiders clash, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki to take his spot in the back row and Tom Mikaele coming onto the bench.

Canberra also have changes, with Ethan Strange moving to centre to help cover the loss of Jordan Rapana (concussion) while Adam Cook slots in at five-eighth.

Penrith have named Dylan Edwards (knee) and James Fisher-Harris (groin) on an extended bench for their top-of-the-table clash with Melbourne on Thursday night.

Both are considered a fair chance to return, with the Panthers already missing first-choice starting second-rowers Liam Martin (suspended) and Scott Sorensen (hamstring).

Shaun Johnson is back from a quad injury to start his farewell at the Warriors, with Friday’s clash against Manly to kick off the retiring Kiwi superstar’s final three weeks in the NRL.

Winger Dom Young has avoided any time on the sidelines for the Sydney Roosters, overcoming a hamstring injury to face Parramatta on Friday. Nat Butcher (ribs) has also been named to play.

Jaeman Salmon is back from a facial fracture at Canterbury, named on the bench for Saturday’s match against the Dolphins in Bundaberg.

Braydon Trindall (hamstring) and Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) are a chance to return for Cronulla against Newcastle on Sunday, after being listed among the reserves.

And Jack Bird will play his first game for St George Illawarra in more than a month after being named on their bench against Gold Coast on Sunday.