BY STAFF WRITERS

The Penrith Panthers already have an eye on the 2021 grand final but will this weekend take on the Wests Tigers – a grudge match going way back to the days when Panthers coach Ivan Cleary left Wests Tigers to return to the foot of the mountains.

There has been plenty of bad blood since.

Earlier this season, Wests Tigers beat a second-string Panthers outfit at Leichhardt with hundreds of fans abusing Cleary in the stands post-match. A reaction to Cleary blowing kisses at Wests Tigers fans at a previous game.

There has been plenty said between fans on social media too.

If the Panthers weren’t big and bad enough, they will also have James Fisher-Harris and Brian To’o back on deck.

“I feel pretty good, well-rested, the extra week of training with the other boys has helped me heaps,” Fisher-Harris said.

“I haven’t had this opportunity before (a break) so I hope it helps in the finals.

“I feel fresh and good having time away from footy. That might give me a benefit. I can’t complain.”

Fisher-Harris, arguably the best prop in the NRL, has been away for a couple of weeks to be with his wife and newly-born child.

It spells disaster for Wests Tigers who gave up 50 points to Cronulla last week.

The Panthers are a scary proposition this close to the finals.

They’d like nothing more than to dish out a little bit of payback this Sunday.

Wests Tigers will be without star half Adam Douehi for the clash.