Penrith coach Anthony Griffin has axed playmaker Jamie Soward following his NRL side’s lacklustre form.

Bryce Cartwright replaces Soward and joins Nathan Cleary in a rookie Panthers halves combination for Sunday’s round-14 match against Manly.

James Segeyaro is again not a part of Griffin’s 17.

In other team news, Robbie Farah has been recalled to Wests Tigers’ line-up for their Friday night clash with South Sydney despite reports of further drama between him and coach Jason Taylor.

Farah was rested from the Tigers’ Sunday loss to the Sydney Roosters.