Canterbury skipper Michael Ennis is still wary of a Panthers side written off by many as a premiership contender following the end of season injury to playmaker Peter Wallace.
He believes Penrith have been playing finals-style football for much of the year and that they'll bring that force on Friday night.
The Bulldogs host Penrith at ANZ Stadium in round 21 of the NRL in a match that's certain to have a significant bearing on the make-up of the top eight.
Both sides are coming off two successive losses and know they need to quickly rediscover form six weeks out from the NRL finals.
"The Panthers have played that semi-final type of footy for the majority of the year and I think when the big games come around at the back of the year they certainly will be right in the fight," Ennis said.
"For Penrith their forward pack has been outstanding all year, (Jamie) Soward knows how to place the ball in the corner, his kicking game is outstanding, and Matthew Moylan has been enormous all year.
"They have some strike right across the park and no doubt Friday night is going to be a tough grinding affair."
Ennis said he felt for Wallace.
"Peter Wallace has had an awesome year for them, so that is disappointing," he said.
"I know Pete too and to see him pick up a knee injury on the back of the form he has had is really disappointing.
"I hope he recovers well."
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