The Panthers' quest for a remarkable fourth straight premiership goes up a notch this week as they welcome back champion halfback Nathan Cleary for the run to the wire.
Cleary has played just five matches this season, the last of those in Round 10, when he suffered a hamstring injury against the Bulldogs.
The Panthers have won four and lost three in Cleary's absence but remain inside the top four and poised to strike with only of their remaining eight games against a current top-four side - the Storm in Round 24.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have already racked up nine wins in their second season and look to have a realistic shot at a maiden finals berth. although the loss of Euan Aitken to a pectoral injury is a blow.
Provided Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi come through Origin Three unscathed they should be back on deck for this litmus test of their credentials in front of a hostile Panthers crowd.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Panthers v Dolphins
Team News
Panthers: Luke Garner drops out of the side on Saturday with Liam Henry joining the starting side and Mavrik Geyer added to the bench. Origin reps Liam Martin, Jarome Luai and Brian To'o had been named on the extended bench but won't play. Halfback Nathan Cleary is preparing for his first match since Round 10 in a major boost for the premiers. Fullback Dylan Edwards looks set to miss 2-4 weeks with a knee injury picked up in Origin Three so Daine Laurie could be set for a longer run at fullback. Liam Martin, Jarome Luai and Brian To'o had been named on the extended bench but won't play. Isaah Yeo is also being rested. There were no further changes on Sunday afternoon, with Isaiah Iongi remaining in the squad as 18th man.
Dolphins: Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will feature in his first club game since picking up a shoulder injury in Origin Two, while Felise Kaufusi seems certain to back up after playing just 16 minutes for the Maroons on Wednesday night. Back-up fullback Trai Fuller remains in the 17 and will start if Tabuai-Fidow is ruled out. No changes one hour before kick off, with Sean O'Sullivan the 18th man.
Match: Panthers v Dolphins
Round 20 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Dolphins
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Daine LaurieFullback for Dolphins is number 1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
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Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Dolphins is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
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Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Dolphins is number 3 Jake Averillo
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Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Dolphins is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
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Winger for Panthers is number 5 Paul AlamotiWinger for Dolphins is number 5 Jack Bostock
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Brad SchneiderFive-Eighth for Dolphins is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
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Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Dolphins is number 7 Isaiya Katoa
Forwards
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Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Dolphins is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
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Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Dolphins is number 9 Max Plath
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Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Dolphins is number 10 Tevita Pangai Junior
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen2nd Row for Dolphins is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 16 Liam Henry2nd Row for Dolphins is number 12 Connelly Lemuelu
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Lock for Panthers is number 13 Matthew EisenhuthLock for Dolphins is number 13 Kenneath Bromwich
Interchange
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Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Trent ToelauInterchange for Dolphins is number 14 Josh Kerr
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Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay SmithInterchange for Dolphins is number 15 Mark Nicholls
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Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luron PateaInterchange for Dolphins is number 16 Ray Stone
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Interchange for Panthers is number 19 Mavrik GeyerInterchange for Dolphins is number 17 Trai Fuller
Reserves
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Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Isaiah IongiReplacement for Dolphins is number 18 Sean O'Sullivan
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won eight of their last nine games with Nathan Cleary.
- The Dolphins have won four of their past six away games.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored five tries in his past three NRL games.
- Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi will make his 200th NRL appearance.
- Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has the chance to record his 250th win as NRL coach.
Match: Panthers v Dolphins
Round 20 -
home Team
Panthers
2nd Position
away Team
Dolphins
8th Position
Venue: Penrith Park, Penrith
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
