Refreshed from a week off, the Panthers return to action in Bathurst against a Wests Tigers side eager to halt a two-game winless run.
The bye in Round 6 probably came at a good time for Penrith, following a loss to the Sea Eagles in which they finally showed the signs of a growing injury toll.
Halfback Nathan Cleary remains sidelined but key forward Scott Sorensen is back and the week off will have done hobbled five-eighth Jarome Luai no harm.
Wests Tigers meanwhile failed to score over 17 points for the fourth time in five games this season in a loss to the Dragons last week, with Benji Marshall's men now in danger of losing much of the positive momentum generated by back-to-back wins in Rounds 3 and 4.
Despite having finished at the opposite end of the ladder to the Panthers in the last few seasons, Wests Tigers actually have a favourable record against Ivan Cleary's heavyweights, having won two of their past four against Penrith, including their lone meeting last year.
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Team News
Panthers: Paul Alamoti makes his club debut in the centres in place of Taylan May (personal matter). The squad is otherwise unchanged with Jarome Luai (knee) good to go following the bye and Scott Sorensen back from a knee injury. Luke Garner moves back to the bench.
Wests Tigers: Will take the field as named on Tuesday, with Lachlan Galvin (suspension), John Bateman (concussion), Samuela Fainu (concussion) and Latu Fainu (hamstring) all back on deck for Benji Marshall's side.
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Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won their past 10 daytime games.
- Wests Tigers have defeated the Panthers three times in their past seven clashes.
- The Panthers have won only two of their past five games in Bathurst.
- Wests Tigers have conceded only five second-half tries (ranked No.1 in the NRL).
- Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has scored six tries in his past four games.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .