Ivan Cleary has declared late addition Frank Winterstein ready to answer Penrith's second-row issues, beginning with Saturday's battle against Newcastle.
After arriving at the Panthers two weeks ago following his release from Manly, Winterstein has been rushed into the line-up to make his club debut.
"Frank's obviously been around and he's a pretty confident in himself. He's fitted in here really easily, seamlessly actually," Cleary said on Friday.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him get his first run for the Panthers."
His inclusion comes after fellow recruit Tyrell Fuimaono suffered an ankle injury in the Panthers' season-opening 20-12 loss to Parramatta.
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There were also fears Isaah Yeo would miss the Knights clash with concussion, but the co-captain has been cleared to play.
Fuimaono's absence, on top of a knee injury to key man Viliame Kikau, has forced Cleary to shift James Fisher-Harris to the edge and call on Winterstein.
The 32-year-old started in 25 games for the Sea Eagles in 2017, but fell out of favour last year and wasn't in this year's plans.
Cleary said the Panthers, who also lost Corey Harawira-Naera and Tyrone Peachey over the summer, moved quickly to sign the Samoan international.
"We always figured we were a bit short in that area. We've got a few young guys, and then obviously losing Viliame in the trial game exposed that," Cleary said.
"It just came out of nowhere, Frank came through the Manly club. They were looking to release a player and it just lined up with us.
"He's certainly an imposing figure. He's experienced, communicates well."
Fuimaono is expected to be out for at least two games, while Cleary is hopeful Kikau could recover to take on Melbourne next week.
