Viliame Kikau is a shock inclusion in Penrith's 21-man line-up for their NRL clash with Wests Tigers, just days after appearing to have suffered a serious ankle injury.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary named his star second-rower as an emergency on Tuesday but he is considered an outside chance of playing in the Brisbane-hosted Magic Round on Friday despite copping a knock against Canberra.
"Scans have fortunately shown the more significant tearing occurred in scar tissue associated with previous surgery to repair his syndesmosis," the club said via a statement.
In further good news for the struggling club, Isaah Yeo should only miss a month with a dislocated shoulder despite reports on Monday he was out for the season.
A rib injury to winger Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, together with a suspension to Liam Martin, forced Cleary into four changes to face the Tigers.
Dean Whare and Frank Winterstein return from their own injuries, while Tyrell Fuimaono and Hame Sele have been called up from reserve grade.
Veteran five-eighth James Maloney has been named pending the outcome of his judiciary hearing on Tuesday night, with Jarome Luai on standby.
They take on a Wests Tigers side that finally gets veteran Benji Marshall back from his hamstring issue, while ex-Panther Oliver Clark will make his NRL debut.
In other teams released for the inaugural Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium, Kodi Nikorima will make his Warriors debut at his old home ground at five-eighth after being switching from the Broncos last week.
He will partner Blake Green in the halves, while coach Stephen Kearney has overlooked Issac Luke at hooker for the younger Nathaniel Roache.
They take on a Dragons side with Jai Field at five-eighth for Corey Norman.
To kick-off the round on Thursday night, Gold Coast rising star AJ Brimson will deputise for the injured Tyrone Roberts against Cronulla.
Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has also swung the axe following his team's poor form, with confirmation James Roberts and Jamayne Isaako are out of the side to host Manly.
Tevita Pangai Junior has also been relegated to the bench for a side that have also lost Andrew McCullough to an MCL injury.
Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki and Jake Turpin have been called up, while the Sea Eagles are again depleted by injury.
Apisai Koroisau starts at five-eighth for Lachlan Croker, while Toafofoa Sipley also gets his shot in place of Addin Fonua-Blake.
Kieran Foran is on Canterbury's extended bench for the Knights, Canberra get Jordan Rapana back from his rib complaint for Sunday's early clash with Roosters and Kyle Feldt also returns for North Queensland's round-ending match with South Sydney.
Newcastle and South Sydney are the only teams unchanged from last week.
