Sea Eagles v Panthers preview

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Make-or-break for both sides at Brookie

Suffering a horror injury toll in the wake of their loss to Canberra, the Sea Eagles head into Round 14 needing a win in order to keep their finals hopes alive. With just four wins to their name so far in 2016, the task faced by Manly will be made all the more difficult with Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai and Daly Cherry-Evans all set to spend extended stints on the sideline. In the absence of the star trio, winger Jorge Taufua will make his return from injury, while Blake Leary and Addin Fonua-Blake come onto the bench. Having come under scrutiny earlier in the season, young prop Liam Knight is in line to make his first grade debut after being named 18th man. While coach Trent Barrett hasn't named him, don't be surprised to see Samoan international Pita Godinet come into the side as a creative spark off the bench.

Having already relegated James Segeyaro to reserve grade last week, Panthers coach Anthony Griffin has wielded the axe once again with Jamie Soward falling foul in the aftermath of the side's loss to Melbourne. Stuck in the midst of nine clubs vying for four places in the top eight, the Panthers will need to turn their competitive nature into competition points if they are to be genuine chances of competing in September. In the absence of Soward, rookie Nathan Cleary will partner Bryce Cartwright in the halves, while Moses Leota will make his NRL debut off the bench alongside former Tiger Sitaleki Akauola. Holding a strong record against the Sea Eagles in recent years, Penrith will be hopeful two wins from their past three appearances at Brookvale Oval serves as an omen for positive things to come on Sunday.

Last meeting: Round 10 2015 - Sea Eagles 10 Panthers 11

Who to watch: Stepping up to the mantle of halfback once again this season, Apisai Koroisau will need to be at his best if Manly are to come away with their first win since ANZAC Day. Still only 23-years-old, the Fijian international has achieved a great deal in a short period of time, but will need to show his skills on Sunday in order to get one over his former club. Partnering Dylan Walker in the halves, the makeship pairing face a tough prospect in the Panthers, but if Koroisau can rise to the challenge his natural talent may get the Sea Eagles home.

While much of the attention has gone towards Bryce Cartwright this season, his second-row partner Isaah Yeo has proven to be a unsung hero for Penrith in 2016. Coming through the Panthers development squads, the 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength since securing a starting berth in the forwards this season. With a strong defensive work ethic and the versatility to match it with the backs, the St. Johns Dubbo junior will be looking to take advantage of the wounded Sea Eagles on Sunday. Signing a contract extension with the Panthers earlier this season, Yeo is set to be a major player in the club's future.

The favourite: With the Sea Eagles missing a number of stars, the Panthers are favoured to get the two points.

My tip: Competing in every game they take part in, the Panthers are proof positive that hard work and commitment produces results. Panthers by 10.

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Tom Trbojevic 4. Brayden Wiliame 5. Matthew Wright 6. Dylan Walker 7. Apisai Koroisau 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Matt Parcell 10. Nate Myles 11. Lewis Brown 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Blake Leary 15. Josh Starling 16. Addin Fonua-blake 17. Siosaia Vave

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Isaah Yeo 12. Trent Merrin 13. Suaia Matagi
Interchange: 14. Sitaleki Akauola 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Moses Leota

Referees: Grant Atkins, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Matt Cecchin, Bryan Norrie