Ivan Cleary declared Penrith were in "uncharted waters" earlier in the season as they slumped to five straight defeats.
The Panthers arrested this alarming slide with a win over the Sydney Roosters that had many people predicting a revival. However, they were then knocked off by Manly to sink to the bottom of the ladder.
The reigning premiers appeared to click into gear in Magic Round with a thumping win over Brisbane, but is it another false dawn?
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Penrith Panthers NRL game this week
The Panthers will take on the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday, May 10 at 7:35pm (AEST).
Panthers predicted team list vs. Cowboys for Round 10
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Paul Alamoti
3. Izack Tago
4. Luke Garner
5. Brian To'o
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Trent Toelau
15. Liam Henry
16. Mavrik Geyer
17. Luron Patea
Panthers latest team news for Round 10
Penrith bounced back to form with a commanding win over the Broncos in Magic Round and are now set to welcome back two starters.
Brian To'o should make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury with his inclusion pushing either Luke Garner or Thomas Jenkins out of the side.
If it's Garner, Jenkins could move back into the centres with Garner taking Mavrik Geyer or Luron Patea's spot on the bench.
Luke Sommerton is set to drop out of the side with Mitch Kenny back on deck after serving his suspension.
Isaiah Papali'i will continue in the backrow in the absence of the suspended Scott Sorensen.
Liam Henry was named to start last week but dropped to the pine with Lindsay Smith starting in his place. It is unclear which man Ivan Cleary will name to start for this one.
Brad Schneider could return from an eye injury but faces a challenge in uprooting Trent Toelau for a spot on the bench.