Penrith centre Dean Whare is racing the clock to be fit for round one of the NRL after injuring his calf in last Saturday’s trial win over Canterbury.
The New Zealand international has been ruled out of this week’s upcoming trial against Parramatta but hopes to be available for their season-opening clash against Canberra on March 5.
Teammate George Jennings fared worse against the Bulldogs, suffering a shoulder injury that will sideline him for up to four weeks.
Back-up hooker Sione Katoa is also likely to miss the first fortnight of the season after hurting his knee in the Auckland Nines.
New buy Trent Merrin is set to make his club debut against the Eels when coach Anthony Griffin names a full-strength line-up against the Eels.