The Panthers are out to steady the ship when they face fierce rivals Parramatta in the latest edition of the Western Sydney derby on Thursday night.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Penrith have battled a rocky patch in recent weeks, winning just one of their past four games to see their lead at the top of the table diminish to just two points.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With the Warriors and Roosters breathing down their necks, the Panthers need a win to maintain their grip on the minor premiership.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It won’t be easy, however, with Parramatta well rested after last week’s bye and eager to keep their finals hopes alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Eels likely need to win six of their last seven games to sneak into the top eight but anything is possible with halfback Mitchell Moses pulling the strings.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The skipper will go face to face with his NSW halves partner on Thursday night in a battle between two of the game’s playmakers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Eels: Star playmaker Mitch Moses plays just his 13th game for the season as he returns from a corked thigh to take on Blues halves partner Nathan Cleary. Five-eighth Ronald Volkman suffered a head knock against the Roosters before the bye but has cleared the concussion protocols to take his place. Luca Moretti also returns from a concussion on the bench. No changes in Wednesday’s update with Will Penisini remaining in the squad and a chance to play his first game since Round 9 having recovered from Osteitis Pubis.<\/p>\n
Panthers: Fullback Dylan Edwards has dropped out of the side and been replaced Thomas Jenkins. The shuffle sees Paul Alamoti push to the wing and Izack Tago come in at centre. Jaxen Edgar has been added to the bench. Edwards suffered a head cut that required 10 stitches post-match in last week’s loss to the Broncos. Mitch Kenny (leg) could still be a couple of weeks away so Freddy Lussick will do the job as starting hooker for the 11th straight game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Stat Attack\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Eels have lost their last five games against the Panthers.
\nThe Panthers have won six from seven at CommBank Stadium this season.
\nThe Eels have defeated only one current top eight team in 2026 (Cowboys in Rd 10).
\nPanther winger Brian To\u2019o requires one try for a century of NRL tries.
\nEels halfback Mitchell Moses requires five points for 1,400 career points.<\/p>\n
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,\u00a0author of the\u00a0official annual of the NRL.<\/a><\/p>\n