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Finals are set to kick off with a banger as the Panthers run out with their first full-strength side all season against the high-flying Eels.
The reigning premiers host their arch rivals with a preliminary final on the line but Parramatta have plenty of reasons to be confident.
MATCH CENTRE: Panthers v Eels score, teams, video, stats
The Eels delivered Penrith their first loss of the season in Round 9 with a gutsy 22-20 victory, and then thrashed them 34-10 in Round 20.
Nathan Cleary was sent off in that second fixture for an ugly lifting tackle on Dylan Brown and returns from his five-week suspension tonight.
Cleary’s halves partner Jarome Luai, who was rested last week, returns alongside Api Koroisau (ankle) and Spencer Leniu is back from a shoulder complaint.
“I tell you something that’s going to scare you, Penrith for the first time this year are running out their full-strength team,” Paul Kent said on NRL 360.
Parramatta forward Nathan Brown (hand) returned via reserve grade and was retained when the squad was trimmed on Thursday night, but is unlikely to break into the 17.
“Parramatta need to play the best game they’ve ever played to win,” Braith Anasta said.
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Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Charlie Staines 19. Matt Eisenhuth
Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Jakob Arthur 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Marata Niukore 18. Nathan Brown 19. Bailey Simonsson
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