Ivan Cleary, head coach at the Penrith Panthers fan day5 in Penrith, Sydney.8th December 2012Photo: Janie Barrett
NRL ROUND 4Etu Uaisele celebrates after scoring the opening try during Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers at Parramatta Stadium. 23rd march 2012Photograph by Dallas Kilponen
eels supplied shot
Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels at Centre Bet stadium. NRL round 16. Saturday, 23 June 2012. Photo: Gene Ramirez
IT'S aptly dubbed the "Battle of the West" for a reason: Parramatta and Penrith love a battle.
And this Saturday is no different. The pre-season M4 derby has become a highlight on both teams' calendars.
The Eels enter the clash on the back of a heavy 41-4 defeat by the Wests Tigers.
Meanwhile the Panthers kept their perfect start to 2013 with a 32-18 victory against the New Zealand Warriors.
Last year the teams split their regular season fixtures.
Stuart hopes his team can bounce back heading into round one against the Warriors. Jarryd Hayne is expected to make his first appearance in the blue and gold for the year.
"While you don't win comps in February we owe it to our members to build on last week," Stuart said.
Cleary was hopeful of a big crowd for their first home game of the year.
"Everyone at the Panthers is looking forward to the first game at home in front of our very loyal fans," he said.
The Panthers won last year's battle of the west 26-10.
Battle of the West, Saturday, February 23, Centrebet Stadium.
First grade kick-off: 5pm