The Penrith Panthers disjointed season continued on Friday night as they suffered a 52-10 thrashing at the hands of the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.
Storm captain Cameron Smith celebrated his 300th game in style as his side broke a four-game losing streak.
The Panthers had a major setback in the lead-up to the game, with young gun fullback Dallin Watene-Zeleaniak ruled out indefinitely with a collapsed lung.
There is no word on when the exciting youngster will be back on the field, but Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed it is not career-ending.
David Simmons was another absentee after being a late withdrawal with James Segeyaro making an early comeback from a knee injury.
With seven rounds remaining, the 12th-placed Panthers now face an uphill battle to make the finals, as they sit four points out of the top eight.
There is no great news for some of the club's other stars, with Josh Mansour and Matt Moylan not expected back for at least a few more weeks.
Jamal Idris is now a chance of playing again this season, but only if the Panthers make the finals.
It will be a big day for the club this Sunday, when they host the hot and cold Canberra Raiders at Pepper Stadium.
The kick-off is 2pm.
The match is being used to raise $100,000 for the Nepean Family Room at Nepean Hospital.
The club is donating $10 from every adult ticket and $5 from every junior ticket towards the fundraising goal.
Penrith will wear the recently released Panthers heritage jersey against the Raiders and the club will donate $10 from every heritage jersey sold.
Panthers run to the finals: Round 20 (Raiders, home), round 21 (Rabbitohs, away), round 22 (Eels, away), round 23 (Warriors, home), round 24 (Dragons, away), round 25 (Raiders, away), round 26 (Knights, home).
