The battle between second and 12th looks to be a mismatch on recent form but the absence of five Panthers on Origin duty offers the Dragons hope of an upset.
With Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Brian To'o and Dylan Edwards in Blues camp and Nathan Cleary out injured, the Panthers' renowned depth will again be tested as they look to navigate the tricky Origin period.
The Dragons will be without Maroons reps Ben Hunt and Jaydn Su'A as well as Blues debutant Zac Lomax so coach Shane Flanagan turns to son Kyle and Jesee Marschke in a new playmaking combination.
Having won just one of their past four games and conceded 138 points in the process the Dragons are in danger of losing touch with the top eight should they not be able to turn things around against the Panthers, Wests Tigers and Sea Eagles ahead of a Round 16 bye.
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Team News
Panthers: Brad Schneider and Jake Cole have both shaken off injury concerns and will form a new-look halves combination, with Trent Toelau and Preston Riki to make their NRL debut off the bench. Tyrone Peachey will play just his second game of the season, while Daine Laurie starts at fullback for the first time since returning to the club. Ativalu Lisati is the replacement player.
Dragons: The Feagai brothers start together in the backline with the Couchman boys together on the bench. Jesse Marschke is the new halfback in Ben Hunt's absence while Jack de Belin moves to prop to cover for Hame Sele (shoulder), with Luciano Leilua called into the starting side. No late changes, with Fa'amanu Brown the replacement player.
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Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won their past six games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have lost their last 10 games without halfback Ben Hunt.
- The Panthers have won 13 of their past 14 games at BlueBet Stadium.
- Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has scored seven tries in his past five games at BlueBet Stadium.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.