The Dragons were outmuscled by the Dolphins in Redcliffe and won't find life any easier when they hit the road to take on Ivan Cleary's Panthers at home on Sunday.
The Dragons looked to be on the rise after a last-gasp victory over the Roosters in Ryan Carr's first match at the helm but the Red V will need to find their momentum again after their ninth loss of the season left them languishing in 17th place after Round 13.
While young halves duo Jayden Sullivan and Talatau Amone showed promising signs in attack for the Dragons, Carr will no doubt be hoping a four-day turnaround is enough to ensure Maroons star Ben Hunt will return to take on the reigning premiers.
Meanwhile, with six Panthers set to feature for the Blues in Wednesday's State of Origin series opener, Penrith will be thankful to have landed a Sunday match.
Having won all five matches throughout last year's Origin period, Cleary should have full confidence in whoever pulls on a Panthers jersey on Sunday and was expected to use the match as an opportunity to test emerging NSW Cup stars on the big stage, however all his Blues players have been named to back up.
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Team News
Panthers: There have been a couple changes to the 17 that downed the Broncos in Round 12. Izack Tago comes into centre with Tyrone Peachey now the 18th player. Jack Cogger also comes into the interchange bench for Soni Luke. However Penrith's full Origin contingent of Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o are all set to back up. Earlier in the week, prop Spencer Leniu came into the squad 24 hours before kick-off, returning from a groin injury with Jaeman Salmon the man to make way.
Dragons: The Dragons have also made late changes to their team an hour from kick off. Jayden Sullivan moves into starting five-eighth in place of Talatau Amone, while Moses Mbye moves onto the bench, promoted from 18th player. Toby Couchman is the new replacement player. Skipper Ben Hunt has been named to back from Origin where he played 52 minutes in the Maroons win. Jaydn Su’A will return from a knee injury.
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Stat Attack
- The Panthers' completion rate of 82 per cent is the best in the NRL.
- Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards has broken more tackles than any other player this season with 81.
- The Panthers have won their past five matches against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have won only one of their past six games at BlueBet Stadium.
- The Panthers have conceded a total of 14 points in their past three games.
- The Dragons have lost seven from seven away from home this season.
- The Panthers have won 30 of their past 33 games at BlueBet Stadium
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.