After suffering back-to-back losses for the first time in two years, the Panthers will be eyeing a bounce back against a Warriors side also without a win in the past fortnight.
Penrith were on the wrong end of the upset of the season in Round 9 as they were beaten by the Wests Tigers, coming after a narrow loss to the Rabbitohs a week earlier which has left the defending premiers two wins back from the top of the Telstra Premiership ladder.
As part of Magic Round they’ll face a Warriors side who will be playing their third game in the space of 11 days, which has seen them take the field in Melbourne and Auckland ahead of travelling to Brisbane.
Andrew Webster’s side fought all the way against the Roosters in Round 9 but failed to turn large periods of possession into points in a 14-0 loss, with the impact of their high injury toll on display.
It has been four years since the Warriors tasted victory against the Panthers, with Penrith boasting a six-game winning streak against the Kiwi side, while Ivan Cleary’s men have won 11 of their last 12 at Suncorp Stadium.
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Team News
Warriors: There's some relief for Andrew Webster on the injury front with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) and Tohu Harris (knee) both confirmed to make their returns against the premiers. Freddy Lussick will start at hooker, with Wayde Egan dropping back to the interchange in a late change.
Panthers: A massive boost for Ivan Cleary's men with James Fisher-Harris back up front in a swap for Matt Eisenhuth, who is out with a shoulder injury. Spencer Leniu will make his return on the interchange after he was ruled out last week with a calf complaint.
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Stat Attack
- Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has scored six tries in six games against the Panthers.
- The Panthers have won their past six games against the Warriors.
- The Warriors have won only one of their past six games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored five tries in his past three games against the Warriors.
- Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.