The Panthers are set to stay competitive in the exciting minor premiership race, making it unlikely that they'll rest players in the closing weeks of the regular season. Jack Cole has emerged as the preferred choice to step in for the suspended Jack Cogger in the halves.
Currently, the Panthers are tied with the Warriors and Roosters at 38 competition points, but they fall behind New Zealand by one point in terms of for and against.
This places them in second place, ensuring two home finals matches if they secure victories in their next games against the Bulldogs and the Tigers.
Unlike last year's round 26 match against the Bulldogs, when they rested nearly their entire starting lineup, they'll need to field a full squad this Friday, as Cogger will serve a three-match suspension for a high tackle on the Storm.
If Cogger had contested the charge and lost, he would have faced a four-game suspension due to a previous ban earlier this season.
"Three weeks is bad enough, but four's worse," coach Ivan Cleary remarked.
"Super disappointed with it, to be honest. But ultimately, we didn't think we could win."
This suspension complicates Penrith's finals strategy, as Cogger had stepped in for Blaize Talagi just weeks ago, following some defensive lapses, while Talagi played in reserve grade last Friday after the charges were announced.