Penrith great Luke Lewis says if his former club lose against the Wests Tigers this week their NRL season is over after just nine rounds.
Former Kangaroos and NSW back-rower Lewis, who played 200 games for the Panthers, said the club has failed to deliver after welcoming back Ivan Cleary to coach his son and five-eighth Nathan.
"Absolutely (they're getting desperate). From what I expected this year they definitely haven't turned up and delivered," Lewis told NRL 360 on Fox Sports.
The Panthers (2-6) have lost four straight and sit second last the ladder, but welcome back halfback James Maloney after he beat a dangerous contact charge at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday.
Penrith five-eighth Nathan Cleary and Maloney are the NSW Blues halves, but the duo have struggled to perform consistently this season.
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"They've got Maloney back which is a massive key for them but they need to start winning or their season is done and dusted," Lewis said.
"I think if they lose this weekend it's all over for them, I really do. I think it's going to be tough for them to get back into (finals contention).
"It's very disappointing ... at the moment they're just not performing."
