Although only one win separates these two teams on the ladder, their current form would be represented by a far greater margin.

New Zealand are in tenth spot, a win behind Raiders and the eighth placed Titans and a win here is a non-negotiable for the Warriors – as it is for their remaining games.

They’ll also appreciate the opportunity to address the 62 – 6 point drumming that the Panthers handed to them earlier this year in round 10.

The Warriors were always on the back foot against Manly last week, their second loss in as a many weeks after losing narrowly to the Sharks in round 21.

This will be the first time in four weeks that they’ve faced a team outside of the top eight and with it all on the line, they’ll be too good for a Penrith outfit currently struggling in most aspects of the game.

The Panthers have conceded an average of 36.5 points in their past four games whilst only being able to register more than ten points in one of those matches.

They seem to be concentrating on the end-of-season trip already and will find it hard, given their last month performances, stopping the bloodshed again this week.

Add to the mix the Warriors strong home ground record this year, and the line of -14.5 looks well within the reach of the Warriors.

Odds comparison by NRL Odds:

New Zealand Warriors	1.15	1.16	1.15	1.16	1.15	1.16
Penrith Panthers	5.40	5.25	5.75	5.25	5.40	5.40

Teams:

New Zealand Warriors:
Kevin Locke, Ngani Laumape, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering, Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Suaia Matagi, Jacob Lillyman, Todd Lowrie, Dominique Peyroux, Jerome Ropati

Penrith Panthers:
Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Lewis Brown, Dean Whare, Dave Simmons, Isaac John, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant, Clint Newton, Sika Manu, Ryan Simpkins. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Lachlan Coote, Jeremy Latimore, Mose Masoe