They have been mentioned in the same breath as Greg Alexander and Brad Fittler, but that may not spare Penrith's newest batch of teenage superstars-in-the-making from facing the axe for Friday night's clash against Newcastle.

Five-eighth Wade Graham, fullback Lachlan Coote and hooker Masada Iosefa were instrumental in Penrith's 22-16 win over Parramatta yesterday. However coach Matthew Elliott admitted they may not make the cut when he selects his team tomorrow, with a host of players due to return from injury.

It comes as former Penrith coach Phil Gould said Graham and Coote shared similar traits to Fittler and Alexander, both former teenage sensations for the Panthers.

"I'm not putting them in that class," Gould said. "But the effect they're having is very similar. The older players are being inspired - there's been a noticeable lift in their self-belief, which is very typical of what Alexander and Fittler did in their time."

Wingers Michael Gordon (cheekbone) and Luke Rooney (hamstring) may be cleared this week to play against the Knights, although the short turnaround could count against them. Utility Jarrod Sammut (hip) may also be available for selection, handing Elliott one of those selection headaches that all coaches want but never totally enjoy.

"I've got some really, really tough decisions to make," Elliott said.

Panthers assistant coach Wayne Collins admitted the youngsters were brought into first grade "probably too early", with the club suffering from a high injury toll in recent weeks. Yet their performance against the Eels brought about special praise for their special talents.

"I've been amazed, just the progression that they've made," Penrith skipper Petero Civoniceva said. "When I first rocked up here at Penrith, in the pre-season, just the way they put in at training was just fantastic to see. I just knew there were good signs at the club. It was pretty much those three that were leading the sessions.

"They were leading some of our senior players, so it's no surprise to me to see the way they've adapted."

As alluded to by Gould, who was Fittler's mentor during the five-eighth's long and illustrious career with Penrith and the Sydney Roosters, it has been the way they have led on the field in recent weeks which has surprised most. Elliott said Graham was "jamming" the other players during their final training run before yesterday's game.

Graham, the 17-year-old who is juggling HSC studies at The Hills Sports High School with full-time training, has a simple reasoning when explaining his ability to bark orders at older, far more experienced players. They asked him to.

"It's the expectations of the boys," Graham said. "I don't want to let the boys down. If I'm not getting up them, they'll be getting up me."

Said Elliott: "I'd love to take credit for that. I think it relates to their upbringing. It's great to recognise their enthusiasm, but I also look at the quality they bring."

Coote, a greenkeeper by trade but hardly a greenhorn despite being just 18, is so highly thought of that he played fullback yesterday at the expense of Penrith's premiership custodian Rhys Wesser, who was shifted onto the left wing.

Civoniceva said their potential was infinite. "The sky's the limit," Civoniceva said.

"You've got Wade Graham who's 17 and still at high school. Masada out of dummy half, he just gave us so much fire in that pack.

"Lachlan's not the biggest bloke, but he's just got massive heart. It's just young man's enthusiasm. It's made a huge difference to us. We've definitely lifted."

¡ The injury-ravaged Bulldogs have been dealt a significant blow ahead of tonight's match against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium, with lock Reni Maitua ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Maitua will be replaced in the Bulldogs' starting side by Lee Te Maari to play against the Rabbitohs.