By MARK CASHMAN

Northern Suburbs will be without their skipper Nick Palmer for their big 7TWO TV match of the round game against Southern Districts on Saturday.

Palmer had been named by head coach Earl Va’a earlier in the week to make his return in the second row against the Rebels but that was put on hold after setback at training midweek.

The former Waratah copped a head knock against the Hunter Wildfires at Bon Andrews Oval in Round Five and is following the strict medical protocols set down by the club’s medical staff.

Palmer was going to start the game, get some minutes under his belt and then be replaced by the in form Dave Henaway, fresh off the bench.