Penrith have received a massive boost with back-rower Viliame Kikau expected to be cleared to for Friday’s Magic Round NRL clash with the Wests Tigers in Brisbane.

Kikau was expected to be out long term after going down with an ankle injury last week but coach Ivan Cleary said he trained strongly during Thursday’s captain’s run and is expected to play.

The Panthers have also dropped centre Waqa Blake for missing training while lock Hame Sele has been ruled out with a back complaint.