Reynolds

The 21-year-old will take over the departed Adam Reynolds spot in the halves, pairing the experienced and dangerous Cody Walker.

While many pundits have said there is a lot of pressure on Ilias to fill the shoes of Reynolds, Cook will be doing what he can to nurture his talent and give him the confidence to deliver from hooker.

The premiers Penrith are adamant gun halfback Nathan Cleary will be given right up until game day to prove he’s good to go for the season-opener against Manly.

But as we know with the champion Penrith and NSW halfback, where there’s a will there’s a way.

Cleary has timed his rehabilitation to the millisecond to the point where there’s every chance he’s out there to take on Tommy Turbo and the Sea Eagles.

Can the Panthers become only the second team in 25 seasons to go back-to-back?

Edwards did not attend a fan day on Friday and is in serious doubt for the grand final.

Meanwhile, Souths skipper Adam Reynolds believes he is tracking well to resume the kicking duties for the decider but won’t now until the captain’s run.

Reynolds will return to the Rabbitohs line-up this week after he was rested for the side's final regular-season game against the Dragons.

The departing playmaker spent time with the Rabbitohs outside backs at training last week, lofting several spiralling kicks in preparation for Saturday night's showdown with the Panthers.

Cleary recorded a mammoth 844 kick metres in round 23 to turn the match on its head after the Bunnies took a 12-0 lead early.