Southport will debut two rookies for its battle with Brisbane on Sunday at Fankhauser Reserve.

Gold Coast Academy members Brayden Crossley, 16, and Daniel Charlesworth, 17, have been named for their first games for the Sharks after playing most of the season as top-ups for the Suns.

Crossley earned a Rising Star nominee in Round 7, while Charlesworth was a member of the Allies squad which contested the National Under-18 Division 1 Championships this year.

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The young duo join Zak Saad and Nick Burton as the inclusions this week, with Stuart Donnelly, Jarryd Drew, Charlie Nettlefold, and Tom Thynne coming out.

The 1.30pm battle presents a big opportunity for the Sharks to keep their spot in the top six with only five rounds remaining before finals.

But Brisbane will take some confidence into the match after knocking off the GIANTS at Coorparoo last week in their third win for the season.

The Lions have named an extended squad due to their AFL side playing on Sunday, with Josh Walker, Liam Dawson and Archie Smith all named on an extended bench.

Team

B#41 Sam Skinner#39 Jackson Paine#58 Declan Watson
HB#59 Jacob Allison#43 Josh McGuinness#53 Jack Clayton
C#18 Nick Robertson#46 Billy Evans#17 Claye Beams
HF#51 Jack Rolls #48 Jake Warren#54 Luke O'Sullivan
F#57 Olly Ritchie#33 Michael Close#34 Jono Freeman
FOL#13 Trent West#19 Josh Clayton#52 Soul Cormick
INT
#44 Archie Smith#35 Ryan Lester#16 Jarrad Jansen
E#49 Will Fletcher#56 Luca Mason  #50 Reid Gordon

In: Ryan Lester, Jarrad Jansen, Soul Cormick, Josh McGuinness
Out: Lachlan Niland-Rowe, Billy Lambert, Liam Dawson, James Rayner, Will Fletcher