Panthers' depth to be tested

The depth of defending premiers Penrith will be tested over the coming weeks, with injuries to Craig Gower, Ryan Girdler and Preston Campbell leaving the Panthers with no first-string halves.

Girdler and Campbell were both injured during Penrith?s brave 40-29 victory over the Bulldogs at Penrith Stadium yesterday afternoon.

The Panthers were forced to move hooker Luke Priddis to halfback and winger Amos Roberts to five-eighth to cover for the injuries, but still managed to come from behind to topple the high flying Bulldogs.

Penrith play Manly at Brookvale Oval this Sunday, with Priddis likely to move to halfback and youngster Daniel Russell expected to come into the side at five-eighth. Shannon Donato would be the most likely replacement for Priddis at hooker.

Panthers coach John Lang told a press conference yesterday afternoon that Girdler would miss the next two weeks while Campbell could be out for three.

?We'll just sort of take it one step at a time,? Lang said.

?We played some really good football and obviously the injuries made life a little more difficult, but I just think the mood the boys were in they were going to be able to do the job.?