Panthers’ big boost

DOWN and desperate, Penrith have received good news with back-rower Viliame Kikau making a stunning recovery from an ankle injury to potentially take on Wests Tigers tonight.

Kikau was expected to be out long-term but trained strongly during yesterday’s captain’s run and coach Ivan Cleary said he would likely be right for his side’s NRL Magic Round clash with the Tigers at Suncorp Stadium.

Penrith are winless since taking on the Tigers a month ago and already have a huge injury toll with Isaah Yeo (shoulder) and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (ribs) already ruled out.

Cleary also dropped centre Waqa Blake for disciplinary reasons and lock Hame Sele was sidelined (back problem).