Panthers cop blow as big-name star expected to miss NRL preliminary final against Sharks

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has revealed he isn't expecting back-rower Scott Sorensen to be fit to play in Saturday night's preliminary final against the Sharks, despite naming him in his extended squad. Sorensen has been an integral part of the Penrith juggernaut that has won three-straight NRL premierships.

But the back-rower has endured an injury-plagued year and tweaked his hamstring in Round 23 against Parramatta. Sorensen has named in the reserves by Cleary on Tuesday, but the coach admitted on Thursday he probably won't be ready.

"I don't expect (him to play) as yet," Cleary said. But I'm hoping. He's still going through various stages but there's a fair bit tonight that he'll need to do. At this stage we feel like he can, but doing it is another thing. If he's going to play then he's got to be able to play."

It would be a big blow to the Panthers if Sorensen can't play due to his vast experience in big games. When filly-fit he starts in the second row alongside Liam Martin, but Cleary has been forced to lean on the likes of Luke Garner, Lindsay Smith and Matt Eisenhuth in his absence.

"He's had a pretty frustrating year," Cleary said about Sorensen. "He's very important for us and we'd love to have him out there so we'll see what we can do."

Jesse Ramien in doubt for Cronulla Sharks

But the Panthers aren't alone in having injury concerns, with the Sharks reportedly rocked by doubts over starting centres Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro. Ramien reportedly tweaked an ankle injury last weekend, while Iro is said to be dealing with a wrist issue.

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon revealed on Friday that Iro will likely be right to go, but Ramien is "up against it". Fitzgibbon has the option of using Siosifa Talakai in the centres, while wingers Sam Stonestreet and Mawene Hiroti are part of the extended squad as well. Utility Daniel Atkinson has also played on the wing this season and might be an option to slot into the centres as well.

RELATED:

• Kevin Walters' sad admission about wife amid Broncos departure

• Reece Walsh's $5 million contract thrown into doubt amid Walters exit

Will the wet weather hamper Penrith Panthers?

Meanwhile, Cleary has dismissed concerns about the weather in Sydney that might cause some chaos on Saturday night. Sydney was lashed by rain on Thursday and Friday, and the forecast isn't much better for Saturday.

The Panthers have only won two of six games played in wet conditions across the past two seasons for a 33 per cent winning record - well down on their overall strike rate of 75 per cent in that time. The record slips to 2-5 if the World Club Challenge loss to St Helens from the 2023 pre-season is added to their wet-weather record.

Penrith lost to eventual wooden spooners Wests Tigers in Bathurst last year, and suffered a State of Origin-affected loss to St George Illawarra earlier this year - both in wet conditions. They've only played one finals game in the wet since 2020, but that was also a loss to Melbourne in the grand final that year.

But Cleary said the possibility for more bad weather would not prevent Penrith playing their trademark high-completion, high-discipline style of football. "I don't think so," he said on Thursday.

"It's a bit of a challenge for everyone from Sydney in particular because we haven't had much rain around but it's kind of a bonus that we get to train in it today. I think our style suits any type of conditions. That's what you like to think anyway. It'll be the same for both teams."

with AAP