Sunday, CUA Stadium, 2pm
Referee: Tony De Las Heras
Luke Lewis wasn't named at halfback for the Panthers against the Bulldogs last weekend, but he ended up playing there and he did a fine job in his team's 30-4 win. Now he has been named at halfback, to face the Warriors. It might be more difficult for him this week, because at least the Warriors know he is playing there and will have done some work on trying to limit his effectiveness, but Lewis is a class player who always looks like he has time with the ball in his hands, so you can bet there will be occasions when he will again have a significant impact.
The Panthers are a potential finals team if they can just harness their ability and establish consistency. The Warriors will provide solid opposition, but this really is a game the Panthers should win at home. The Panthers have lost prop and captain Petero Civoniceva to Origin duty and that is obviously a major loss, because he has led the team by superb example this season, but other forwards - like Tony Puletua, Frank Pritchard and Trent Waterhouse - have the class and experience to show the way in his absence. The Warriors have won all of their home games and lost all of their away games.
Late mail
Penrith coach Matt Elliott said his side would likely be "1-17" against the Warriors on Sunday, meaning former Bulldog and Sharks prop Hutch Maiava will likely not play his first game for the club.
Still, Elliott added: "He's knocking on the door - strongly."
The Warriors are expected to be as named.
PANTHERS: Rhys Wesser, Luke Rooney, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Michael Gordon, Maurice Blair, Luke Lewis, Tony Puletua, Luke Priddis (capt), Matthew Bell, Frank Pritchard, Trent Waterhouse, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Paul Aiton, Joseph Paulo, Jarrod Sammut, Sam McKendry, Hutch Maiava. (one to be omitted)
WARRIORS: Lance Hohaia, Michael Crockett, Jerome Ropati, Ryan Shortland, Patrick Ah Van, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Sam Rapira, Nathan Fien, Evarn Tuimavave, Simon Mannering, Epalahame Lauaki, Micheal Luck (capt). Interchange: Ian Henderson, Wairangi Koopu, Russell Packer, Logan Swann, Ruben Wiki. (one to be omitted)
