A place in the 2026 NRL Grand Final could hinge on the fitness of State of Origin halfbacks Sam Walker and Nathan Cleary.
Both are expected to play in next weekend's preliminary finals, although their clubs have provided different levels of certainty.
Walker appears the clearer case after ankle surgery, with Roosters coach Craig Robinson confident the 24-year-old will face the Dolphins.
The match is scheduled for Friday night at Suncorp Stadium, where Walker would resume his halves partnership with Daly Cherry-Evans.
Cherry-Evans could be making his 378th and final NRL appearance.
Cleary's condition remains less transparent, reflecting Penrith's traditionally private approach and the benefit of its week off.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary acknowledged that his son's preparation had been disrupted by a stress-related foot injury.
"Nat's pretty sore… the injury is definitely the result of over-use, he kicks a lot, does a lot, runs a lot and it all adds up," Ivan Cleary said before Penrith's Sunday clash with Newcastle at Accor Stadium.
Squads will be announced on Tuesday afternoon, but selection alone will not settle whether either halfback can perform effectively.
The Panthers and Roosters will therefore continue monitoring whether their key playmakers' bodies withstand the demands of the finals.