Penrith coach Ivan Cleary admits his round-one side will be different to the one that was shutout in their final warm-up against Parramatta.
The Panthers failed to score a point in their 20-0 pre-season defeat to the Eels, whom they meet again in their season-opener on March 17.
Skipper James Maloney was sin-binned midway through the second half after a mounting penalty count that left Penrith defending for most of the match.
"It might be a positive, there was a lot of practice," Cleary said post-game.
"The game was pretty fast-paced early on, which again is good to have in the bank. You don't want to be giving that many away, obviously."
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The loss came on the same day it was revealed utility Tyrone May was involved in a sex tape scandal that could jeopardise his short-term playing future.
"It's in the hands of the integrity department. I'm sure they'll do a good job and hopefully get a resolution quickly," Cleary said.
Josh Mansour was a late scratching due to a leg cut, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is also racing the clock to overcome a knee injury in time to play.
"He's got a couple of things to get through yet. And we were always going to wait until the end of next week to see how he's going," Cleary said.
The former Wests Tigers coach also has a couple of other positions up for grabs, including his starting hooker and left-edge back-rower.
First-choice No.12 Viliame Kikau is out until round four with a knee injury, and replacement candidate Jack Hetherington blew out early against Parramatta.
"Vili leaves a pretty big hole. We certainly don't have anyone in the squad that can play like him," Cleary said.
"We're going to have to think about it, go back and look at the game and work out our options. We've got a few there."
Sione Katoa starts at No.9 but isn't guaranteed the role for round one, with fellow youngster Wayde Egan a chance of surpassing him in a fortnight.
"That's just another spot we'll have a look at. I thought both those guys have put their hand up. I'm not prepared to say which way I'll go yet," Cleary said.
