Penrith are set to go into Saturday’s NRL wooden spoon battle with a full-strength side sitting injured in the stands.
Jamie Soward (concussion) and Bryce Cartwright (lacerated kidney) are latest additions to the Panthers’ shocking injury tally in the wake of Monday night’s loss to Canberra.
Both players were taken to hospital with Soward released on Tuesday and Cartwright retained for further observation.
They appear certain to miss the home final-round clash with Newcastle on Saturday when the loser will collect the dreaded wooden spoon.
If ruled out, they will join a team of unavailable Panthers that reads by position: Matt Moylan, George Jennings, Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Robert Jennings, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Isaac John, Nigel Plum, Bryce Cartwright, Jamal Idris, Elijah Taylor.