Penrith have recovered after a horrendous start to their premiership defence this year to surge up the ladder and have several clubs nervously looking over their shoulders.
The Panthers enjoyed a nine-game winning streak before slipping to a narrow defeat to Melbourne in a grand final rematch and then losing in heartbreaking circumstances against Canberra last week.
Can Ivan Cleary's second-string side bounce back from these setbacks when they take on Canterbury, who are also riding a two-match losing streak?
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Penrith Panthers NRL game this week
The Panthers will take on the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Thursday, August 28 at 7:50pm (AEST).
Panthers confirmed team list for Round 26
1. Daine Laurie
2. Jesse McLean
3. Sione Fonua
4. David Fale
5. Paul Alamoti
6. Jack Cole
7. Brad Schneider
8. Luron Patea
9. Luke Sommerton
10. Austin Dias
11. Zac Lipowicz
12. Mavrik Geyer
13. Matthew Eisenhuth
14. Soni Luke
15. Preston Riki
16. Riley Price
17. Billy Phillips
22. Jaxen Edgar
Panthers latest team news:
Penrith suffered their second consecutive loss in golden point last week as they went down to Canberra in dramatic circumstances in Mudgee.
The loss ended their hopes at a top four finish, so Ivan Cleary has elected to rest his entire first team this week as they prepare to attack the finals from the bottom part of the top eight.
Dylan Edwards has been replaced at the back by Daine Laurie, while Jesse McLean and Paul Alamoti have been listed on the wings.
Sione Fonua and David Fale are the new centre pairing, with Izack Tago and Casey McLean given the week off.
Jack Cole and Brad Schneider will form a new partnership in the halves, as Blaize Talagi and Nathan Cleary have been rested.
Luron Patea has been handed a start up front after the young forward has recovered from a collarbone injury.
Austin Dias will also feature in a pack which will see a backrow consisting of Zac Lipowicz, Mavrik Geyer
and Matthew Eisenhuth.
Soni Luke will provide support to No.9 Luke Sommerton off the pine.
Meanwhile, Preston Riki, Riley Price and Billy Phillips will form an inexperienced bench.