Manly coach Geoff Toovey has accused his players of losing focus in recent weeks and ordered them to get back on track or risk finishing outside of the top four.
The Sea Eagles have been below their best in their last three games losing to South Sydney and Parramatta either side of a less-than-impressive win over the struggling Gold Coast.
There has been unrest among the close-knit squad about the decision by the club to allow Glenn Stewart to join Souths, and his brother Brett is also believed to want out of the club.
Experienced centre Steve Matai has asked for a release from his contract to join the Warriors and representative back-rower Anthony Watmough has been given permission to speak to other clubs for next season.
Boardroom squabbles are an all-too-common occurrence at Manly, but the players have prided themselves on detaching themselves from what happens off the field as they prepare for a 10th successive finals campaign.
However, Toovey has admitted his team has not been at their best in recent weeks having been top of the ladder for much of the season.
"Our boys have not been distracted, but perhaps not as focused as they have been for the rest of the year," Toovey said.
"We've been very consistent for most of the year and haven't lost two in a row and we hope to maintain that record on Sunday in front of our home crowd.
"We've always managed to re-focus and we need to do so against a quality Penrith side."
A win against the Panthers will secure Manly a top four finish meaning they would get a second chance if they lose their first finals encounter.
Penrith are also challenging for the top four and Toovey, whose side lost their first semi-final to the Sydney Roosters last year before going on to book a ticket for the grand final, is fully aware of its importance.
"It's so important to finish in the top four as every team can beat any team on their day," he said.
"You lose one game in that bottom four and you're out of the competition.
"We've got to be on our game and finish in the top four and make the most of our opportunities."
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