Ross not guilty

Penrith will have virtually their full strength side on the field against the Canberra Raiders this Saturday after Queensland forward Ben Ross was tonight cleared of a striking charge by the NRL judiciary.

It?s been a week of good news for the Panthers, who will welcome back skipper Craig Gower and veteran centre Ryan Girdler from injury this weekend.

The club have won just two of their past six matches and are desperate to turn around a form slump that could see them miss out on the top four and a home final.

Ross pleaded not guilty to a striking charge stemming out of the Panthers? 30-6 loss to Souths last Sunday and the panel found in his favour. Ross claimed he did not enter the tackle with a clenched fist and video evidence supported his claim.

Penrith will have their number one side on the paddock for Saturday?s game with the exception of Grand Final hero Luke Swain, who is out for the rest of the season with a neck injury.

Meanwhile, Manly forward Ian Donelly will miss the next two matches after being suspended by the NRL judiciary for striking Wests Tigers forward Mark O?Neill.

Donelly unsuccessfully fought the charge and will not return until Round 21.