The Panthers and Warriors will be looking to break away from the chasing pack that are hunting a top eight spot when they meet at Mt Smart Stadium in New Zealand on Friday evening.
The Panthers made a successful return to Pepper Stadium last Saturday, scoring a priceless 16-8 victory over Manly, with the majority of sides around them receiving competition points via the bye.
That win kept them in front of the Warriors on the ladder and in the best position to snatch a Finals spot amongst the teams sitting in the bottom half.
Anthony Griffin was handed a further boost with James Fisher-Harris making a successful return to action in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW. The backrower had been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in Round 10 against the Warriors.
Fisher-Harris has been named to make his first grade return from the bench this week in place of Sitaleki Akauola in what is Griffin’s only change to the top 17. ISP standout Tyrone May is named on the reserves list as he seeks to make his NRL debut after a try-scoring performance last week.
Friday’s hosts come in to the game refreshed after a week off and will be intent on giving Warriors legend Manu Vatuvei a fitting send off before he departs for Super League side Salford.
