LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Penrith Panthers are set to make their long-awaited return to Go Media Stadium after six years, facing the NZ Warriors.
This match marks a significant moment, as the last encounter was on June 30, 2019, when former Warrior James Maloney secured a heartbreaking victory for Penrith with a "golden point field goal," ending the game 19-18.
In that match, current Warriors players James Fisher-Harris and Wayde Egan were part of the Penrith roster, while first-year Panther Isaiah Papali'i was representing the Warriors.
Since then, the rosters have changed significantly; only Roger Tuivasa-Sheck remains from the 2019 Warriors squad at fullback, and Bunty Afoa has been omitted from selection.
Many others from that match have since left for different NRL teams, moved to the Super League, or retired.
For this upcoming clash, Penrith will be without several State of Origin players, but hooker Mitch Kenny and prop Moses Leota return to the lineup.
In stark contrast to the 2019 contest, which drew a crowd of only 12,952, this match is a sellout, highlighting the heightened excitement and anticipation surrounding Penrith's return.