Veteran forward Simon Mannering knows how tough the Panthers are in Penrith and admits the Warriors can't take them lightly on Friday night, even without their Origin stars.
The Warriors and Panthers are fourth and fifth respectively on the NRL ladder on 22 competition points each, and a loss could see either side fall into the bottom half of the top eight.
The Panthers have recent history on their side, winning five of their last six encounters against the Warriors and their previous five encounters in the Blue Mountains. Their most recent triumph was a famous 36-28 win last season, after they trailed by 22 points at the break.
But this time around, the Panthers are without three players on Origin duty - halves pairing Nathan Cleary and, James Maloney, along with Tyrone Peachy.
You would think that would give the Warriors an advantage, but not according to 31-year-old Mannering, who believes their opponents are even more dangerous without their Origin trio.
"It's going to be a hard game, no matter what," the 291-game veteran says.
"I think it makes the Panthers more dangerous.
"They are already a side that love to play second-phase football with an offload and a lot of ad-lib.
"So with their halves playing Origin, it will give them [replacements Tyrone May and Jarome Luai] even more license to do so, and that's a harder team to defend than someone who is really structured."
The Warriors are at near full strength for the Round 17 clash, but will miss forwards Tohu Harris (knee) and Bunty Afoa (elbow) who are sidelined for at least a month with their respective injuries.
"It isn't ideal [losing Harris and Afoa], but you can't do anything about it," Mannering said.
"Those two guys have been a big part of our performances this year, and they will be missed.
"We had it throughout the year with many guys, and everyone that has come in to replace the injured guys have done an outstanding job, so I expect much the same this Friday."
The Warriors will be determined to end their Penrith hoodoo and also bounce back from last week's disappointing loss to the Sharks in Auckland.
"This weekend, we're just concentrating on us being better from last Friday – tidying up a few areas.
"No team likes back-to-back loses, so we have to take our best game over there.
"We've prepared really well, so there no reason why we can't win."
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