Neck surgery has ruled out Luke Lewis from his farewell home game for Penrith on Saturday but Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright still feels he will be a factor in their must-win NRL clash.

Cartwright feared an “emotional” Panthers would be hell bent on providing a fitting send-off for Lewis at Centrebet Stadium despite the classy utility not being named on Tuesday.

It is hardly an ideal scenario for the Titans (10th; 10-12 record) who need to win their final two regular season games to be a finals chance.

“No doubt there will be some sort of recognition down there for him after what he has given to the club,” Cartwright said of the Cronulla-bound Lewis who is not expected to play for Penrith again after his second neck operation last week.

“It’s their last game at home and they have some players moving on so it is always an emotional day.

“Hopefully in the end we have more to play for than them.”

Second-last Penrith’s upset 18-16 last round win condemned the New Zealand Warriors to their sixth straight loss, ensuring coach Brian McClennan was cut with two regular season games still left.

It ensured Cartwright was more than wary of the Panthers doing the same to their finals hopes this weekend.

“It is hard to understand why they are sitting where they are,” he said.

“They look like a very dangerous side and winning form is good form.”

The match will mark the 150th game for form Titans forward Nate Myles who has been touted as the Gold Coast’s best buy thanks to a breakthrough 2012.

“He has been tremendous for us this year. It would be nice to give him a win on that special occasion,” Cartwright said.

“You get to a point where you can’t get any tougher – he is one of those guys for sure.”

Cartwright on Tuesday added prop Brenton Lawrence to the 17 that downed the Eels last round for Saturday’s Centrebet Stadium showdown.