Gower hospitalised with virus

Penrith captain Craig Gower is in doubt for tomorrow's match against Canberra after being hospitalised due to a virus.

Gower was admitted to hospital yesterday afternoon after complaining of flu-like symptoms and has been placed on a drip. Club officials say they are still not sure when their star halfback will be released.

Panthers coach Matthew Elliott says a virus went through the squad over the last week with Gower the worst hit. Elliott will give Gower until tomorrow afternoon before making a decision on his availability.

If Gower is ruled out, five-eighth Peter Wallace is likely to slide over to halfback with Luke Lewis coming into to fill the void at pivot. Panthers lock Nathan Smith also failed to train today due to the virus, Elliott using a number of players to help fill-in in various positions.