Penrith captain, Petero Civoniceva is expected to make a surprise comeback this week to give his side the added incentive, to avoid his side from bowing out of the finals.

Civoniceva's return is just as crucial to the Panther's title hopes, and his presence would give the side a massive confidence boost.

The 33-year old prop said there was a chance he could be back after initially being ruled out for the season with a painful toe injury, for which he had surgery for two weeks ago.

His recovery is also good news for Australia's chances of avenging last year's World Cup defeat to New Zealand, in the end-of-season Four Nations tournament in England and France.