Panthers may make last minute
changes

Penrith may make last minute changes to their first grade side to play St George-Illawarra tonight after a mystery virus circulated through the club.

There?s also speculation that star halfback Craig Gower will make a shock return from injury and play at halfback against the Dragons.

Gower told Fox Sports last week that he was hopeful of making an early return from a knee injury sustained during the first State of Origin match last month, but coach John Lang denied his skipper would play against the Dragons, despite Penrith?s halves crisis.

As it stands, 19-year-old unknown Ben Rogers will make his first grade debut at five-eighth this evening, while Daniel Russell moves to halfback.

The virus that has infected a number of players is not believed to be overly serious and Lang is hoping to field his side as per program.

But rumours of Gower?s return simply won?t go away. It?s believed he is back in training, but Penrith have this morning denied the possibility of a premature return.

The Dragons are also expected to field their side as named, with captain Trent Barrett passing a fitness test yesterday afternoon.

Ironically, Barrett hasn?t played since the Dragons last met Penrith at WIN Stadium earlier this year.