Unbeaten competition leaders Penrith face an unexpected challenge as they prepare to host a rejuvenated Sea Eagles side at Carrington Park in Bathurst.
It was just four weeks ago that the Panthers demolished Fortress Brookvale and put the Sea Eagles to the sword in a 46-6 massacre but in the past two rounds the return of fullback Tom Trbojevic has transformed Manly.
Even though Penrith are humming after seven successive wins to start the season they won't be taking number eight for granted.
Halfback and skipper Daly Cherry-Evans was Trbojevic's partner in crime against Wests Tigers, scoring the two tries that kicked off Manly's onslaught and setting up three more.
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The rundown
Team news
Panthers: Api Koroisau is a certain starter with Mitch Kenny reverting back to the reserves and likely to play NSW Cup on Saturday. Stephen Crichton resumes his latest role on the right edge with Dylan Edwards getting through last week's game at fullback unscathed.
Scott Sorensen dropped out of the reserves an hour before kick-off, while Mitch Kenny is the 18th man. Brent Naden and Robert Jennings were omitted from the 21-man squad 24 hours from kick-off.
The Panthers have won 10 of their past 12 games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles: Josh Aloiai and Sean Keppie once again moved into the starting team before kick-off, with Martin Taupau and Haumolo Olakauatu to come off the bench.
Zac Saddler dropped out of the reserves on game day, with Tevita Funa the 18th man.
Christian Tuipulotu and Ben Trbojevic were the players to drop off the extended bench on Friday.
The Sea Eagles have won 76 percent of all games with Tom Trbojevic in their line-up since 2019.
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Key match-up
Dylan Edwards v Tom Trbojevic: Edwards returned from injury to play a leading role in Penrith's win over Newcastle, earning a special mention from coach Ivan Cleary post-match.
His presence at the back gives Penrith much better balance but he will have to lift yet again if he is to match it with Trbojevic. The Sea Eagles fullback has been in devastating form, crossing for two tries while also setting up four and busting nine tackles in his first two outings of 2021.
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Stat attack
Penrith are all about domination at the moment. The Panthers have won 24 of 25 stretching back to round six last season and notched 10 victories in their past 12 regular season contests against the Sea Eagles.
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