Panthers can confirm the hard-hitting Suaia Matagi has joined the Auckland Nines squad, replacing fellow prop forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
Campbell-Gillard is being rested this weekend to ensure he is fully fit for the Panthers blockbuster trial games against the Bulldogs and Eels.
Meanwhile Panthers coach Anthony Griffin has handed the captaincy for the tournament to the ever-reliable Jeremy Latimore.
Updated Auckland Nines squad
1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
2. Josh Mansour
3. Waqa Blake
4. Robert Jennings
5. Te Maire Martin
6. Sione Katoa
7. Will Smith
8. Suaia Matagi
9. James Segeyaro
10. Jeremy Latimore (c)
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. Isaah Yeo
13. Elijah Taylor
14. Corey Harawira
15. Ben Garcia
16. Zach Dockar-Clay
17. Chris Smith
18. Moses Leota
