Self-proclaimed toiler Matt Eisenhuth insists he’s happy to forego a maiden grand-final appearance if it means carpool buddy and Penrith teammate Scott Sorensen takes his place.

Absent from the Panthers’ finals campaign with a hamstring injury, Sorensen has been out of action for the past month.

Eisenhuth has filled in for Sorensen in the time the New Zealand international has been sidelined.

Eisenhuth has been named on the bench for Sunday’s meeting with Melbourne, while Sorensen was listed in Ivan Cleary’s extended squad in jersey No.19.

Sorensen is confident of overcoming an injury-plagued season to force his way into the Panthers’ starting side.

But that could spell disaster for valued clubman Eisenhuth, who has had to watch Penrith’s last three premiership victories as part of the reserve-grade side.

“I’ve been here for three of them and just been on the sideline or been 18th or 19th man,” Eisenhuth told AAP.

“I know if I get the chance to run on the field, it’ll be the best (feeling) ever.

“We’re all competitive beasts, you are always striving to be in that 17 and sometimes it’s not to be and that sucks sometimes.

“It can frustrate you but you can’t kick stones.

“It’s part of footy, every team has its superstars but every team’s got the toilers that are in and out and that’s me and I’m happy with that.”

Eisenhuth was listed in Cleary’s 17 as part of an unchanged side to take on Melbourne.

But should Sorensen pass his fitness test, Eisenhuth knows he is a possible casualty.

“Me and ‘Sorro’, we’re best mates, like we’re both down the Shire together,” Eisenhuth said.

“We drive together every day and some people might think that’s awkward, but it’s not awkward between us.

“We knew the situation last week where if he was good to go, then I wouldn’t play.

“That’s how it is, and we’re sweet with that, we’re happy for each other either way.

“If he is out this week and I was playing in my first grand final, he’d be stoked for me.”

Sorensen, along with Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary as he nurses a shoulder injury, was on restricted duties as the Panthers trained on Tuesday.

Loading…

The 31-year-old said he was “tracking along well” and was confident he would be available for Sunday’s decider.

“I’m literally ticking boxes at the moment and making sure that I get through my training sessions to hopefully make myself available for Sunday,” Sorensen said.

“I’m feeling good and feeling strong.

“Unfortunately, it’s just the roller coaster that goes with the game sometimes.

“I’m not feeling sorry for myself or anything like that, it’s just the challenge that’s in front of me and I’m doing my best to make sure my body gets to 100 per cent.”

CONFIRMED NRL GRAND FINAL TEAM SQUADS

MELBOURNE

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. William Warbrick, 3. Jack Howarth, 4. Nick Meaney, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant, 10. Josh King, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Lazarus Vaalepu, 17. Alec MacDonald, 18. Grant Anderson, 19. Joe Chan, 20. Kane Bradley, 21. Tepai Moeroa, 22. Sualauvi Faalogo

PENRITH

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Paul Alamoti, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Brad Schneider, 15. Lindsay Smith, 16. Liam Henry, 17. Matt Eisenhuth, 18. Casey McLean, 19. Scott Sorensen, 20. Trent Toelau, 21. Daine Laurie, 22. Luke Sommerton

AAP

The Panthers have booked a spot in their fifth-straight grand final but all eyes will be on Nathan Cleary after he looked to aggravate an existing shoulder injury in the final minutes.

Cleary produced a masterclass in the 26-6 win over the Sharks, setting up three tries, getting three linebreak assists and making just under 100 running metres.

But he was spotted clutching at his left shoulder late in the game and eventually came from the field with five minutes left on the clock.

MATCH CENTRE: Panthers v Sharks, scores, stats, highlights

Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

It was a tense start to the clash with scores locked up at 2-all until 22 minutes into the game when Cleary came up with some magic, kicking a 40/20 and then setting up Paul Alamoti for the first try of the game in the next set.

Fox League expert Corey Parker called the double play “absolute magic,” while commentator Dan Ginnane declared: “In the space of 60 seconds he’s changed the game.”

The Panthers extended their lead ahead of half time with another penalty goal after Siosifa Talakai was placed on report for a late shot on Jarome Luai.

It looked like Talakai, who was filling in for Jesse Ramien, was going to be given his marching orders but he was spared the sin-bin by referee Ashley Klein.

The Sharks needed to strike first in the second half and they did exactly that when Sione Katoa scored in the corner with a stunning put-down.

But their joy was shortlived as the Panthers responded with two tries in three minutes — both set up by Cleary.

A pinpoint cross-field kick set up Brian To’o before Alamoti crossed for his second off a ball from Cleary.

But Cleary’s night took a turn when he was spotted late in the game clutching at his left shoulder. He tried to play on but was eventually replaced in the final five minutes by Brad Schneider.

That didn’t halt the Panthers’ momentum though and they put an exclamation mark on the win when Liam Martin scored in the 76th minute.

The Panthers will take on the Storm next Sunday at Accor Stadium.

RE-LIVE ALL THE ACTION IN OUR LIVE BLOG. CAN’T SEE? CLICK HERE

TEAMS

PANTHERS: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth. 18th man: 18. Casey McLean

SHARKS: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 14. Siosifa Talakai 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Daniel Atkinson. 18th man: 20. Mawene Hiroti