Panthers face centre crisis as Whare injures hamstring

Penrith are facing a centre crisis leading into their round 12 clash against Manly with Dean Whare the latest to succumb to a hamstring injury.

Already set to be without Waqa Blake for up to 10 weeks, Whare’s setback comes at a costly time for the Panthers who are struggling for depth in the backline. 

The Panthers confirmed on Sunday morning Whare faces 4-6 weeks on the sidelines with a grade two tear with replacements for both centres to be named on Tuesday. 

The future of Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak at the club continues to remain under a cloud after he was given last week off to weigh up his contract options and clear his headspace.

Watene-Zelezniak is no guarantee to return to the side for Thursday night's clash despite the raft of injuries in the backline.

He trained with the club’s Canterbury Cup side throughout last week but did not play on the weekend as he contemplates his future.

Dallin's older brother Malakai is pushing for a return from a rib injury but is also no sure thing to be available. 

The Panthers are hopeful back-rower Isaah Yeo will return from a shoulder injury with a shift to the centres a possibility. Tyrell Fuimaono looms as another option for the right edge. 

Yeo told reporters on Sunday morning he had commenced light contact work and would be available for selection this week after dislocating his shoulder in round eight.

The 24-year-old requires surgery at season’s end but will continue to manage the injury in an attempt to play out the year.

Yeo will be booked in for surgery straight away if he dislocates his shoulder for a consecutive time. 

"I'm pretty confident with it at the moment and the physios are as well, there has been some thought in it and they think it will be OK," Yeo said.

"There's always a risk that it will happen again but the plan is to the plan is to get through this and finish out the season. 

"Everyone is happy for me to have a crack. It's been no good for a while so I've understood it's a chance of happening [again]."

Meanwhile, NSW hopefuls Nathan Cleary and James Maloney were present for Panthers training on Sunday.

Cleary looms as the main halfback option for Brad Fittler after key halves Luke Keary, Adam Reynolds and Mitchell Pearce all suffered injuries in this weekend’s games. 

While Reynolds has been cleared of a leg fracture, it's understood Cleary remains the preferred option for Fittler alongside Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker.