Penrith is optimistic about Liam Martin's potential return for the highly anticipated match against Cronulla, following his recovery from a minor calf strain.
Meanwhile, Sydney Roosters player Spencer Leniu is set to be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the warm-up before last Friday's match against the Warriors.
Having missed the Panthers' previous victory over Brisbane with a 26-0 scoreline, Martin is anticipated to be included in a stronger line-up for the clash against the Sharks on Saturday night.
His progress coincides with several clubs holding their breath on Monday after the opening round's aftermath.
Canberra is particularly anxious to determine whether second-rower Matty Nicholson will need surgery after suffering a second shoulder injury in just over a month.
Having recently returned from a shoulder subluxation sustained in pre-season trials, Nicholson is almost certain to miss this week's trip to Auckland.