The Panthers have flown out of the gates and lead a shell-shocked Roosters 16-0 in the first half at Penrith Park.
Nathan Cleary has played a role in both tries in his comeback match, with Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Jarome Luai all crossing as the reigning premiers charge towards a fifth straight preliminary final.
MATCH CENTRE: Panthers vs Roosters teams, scores, videos, updates
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MATCH PREVIEW
The Penrith Panthers host the Sydney Roosters in a blockbuster final at BlueBet Stadium with a spot in the preliminary final at stake.
Nathan Cleary returns from a shoulder injury for the Panthers as he bids to inspire their clunky attack of late in the hunt for a fourth straight premiership.
Scott Sorensen has been ruled out with Luke Garner starting in the second row and Brad Schneider joining the 17, while Matthew Eisenhuth also comes onto the bench in place of Trent Toelau.
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For the Roosters wingers Dom Young and Daniel Tupou are set to return after they missed last week’s win over South Sydney.
Nat Butcher returns and shifts to prop with Spencer Leniu moving to the bench while Terrell May starts at lock in place of Butcher.
Lindsay Collins is also back to bolster the pack with Victor Radley bidding for a return later in the finals.
There were murmurs Joey Manu could be switched to five-eighth, but Trent Robinson has put his faith in Sandon Smith to fill the void left by halfback Sam Walker’s injury.
Connor Watson again fills in for Brandon Smith at hooker, with Zach Dockar-Clay on the bench.
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Former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off with Michael Jennings set to be the 18th man.
The battle between fullbacks James Tedesco and Dylan Edwards, who has been carrying a knee injury could decide the contest, but it will be the battle of the forwards that sets the tone for the game.
The Roosters have won just one of their last 20 games against the Panthers and Storm combined as they bid to break their drought on Friday night.
TEAMS
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 12. Liam Martin 17. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Brad Schneider. 18th man: 20. Casey McLean
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith13. Nat Butcher 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Terrell May 8. Spencer Leniu 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Siua Wong. 18th man: 18. Michael Jennings
