Raiders v Panthers: Rapana set to return; Luai to step up

On the back of a disappointing performance in Townsville that ended their finals chances, the Raiders must now regroup to face a Panthers side on the rebound.

The Green Machine entered Round 24 just one game outside the eight barely got out of first gear as they conceded seven tries to a slick Cowboys outfit that simply ran them ragged.

The Raiders have now lost three on the bounce and face a tough run home against the Panthers, Roosters and Dragons, with this Saturday's game the only one of those on home soil.

For the premiers, the loss of superstar Nathan Cleary to a shoulder injury was a bitter blow on top of losing the match to Melbourne, but they have shown countless times this season that they can find a way without their main man.

Their hopes of another minor premiership appear to be dashed but they'll be out to keep the Roosters and Sharks at bay and lock up a home final in week one of the play-offs by finishing second.

With Cleary not expected back on deck before the play-offs it will fall to five-eighth Jarome Luai to again steer the ship and plot the course towards the a fourth consecutive premiership.