A year ago, the Panthers and Eels squared off in the grand final, but now they sit 10 places apart on the ladder and Parramatta’s dreams of a drought-breaking premiership are in tatters.
The Eels’ September hopes were snuffed out in Friday night’s loss to the Roosters, leaving them in 11th place with an 11-12 record.
The ladder leading Panthers, meanwhile, overcame the absence of Brian To’o, Scott Sorensen and Mitch Kenny to roll past the Titans for their 17th win of the season.
If the premiers can down the Eels on Thursday they will likely secure their third minor premiership in four years, potentially giving coach Ivan Cleary the luxury of being able to rest players from the Round 27 clash with the Cowboys should he choose.
The Eels have the bye in the last round so this week’s western Sydney derby is their final chance to restore some lost pride and give their loyal fans some joy at the end of a tough season.
Panthers: Dylan Edwards and Sunia Turuva have come out of the side on Wednesday and will be rested so Jesse McLean comes in at fullback for his NRL debut and Tom Jenkins keeps his place on the wing.
Brian To’o is back after being rested but hooker Mitch Kenny and forward Scott Sorensen remain sidelined so Jack Cogger holds the No.9 jersey and Zac Hosking lines up again in the back row.
Still no sign of centre Izack Tago (leg). There were no further changes when the sides were finalised 60 minutes before kick-off.
