Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai is ready for a real battle against Canterbury in Friday night footy at BlueBet Stadium as the three-time defending champions go up against several former Panthers including Stephen Crichton who returns to Penrith for the first time as a Bulldog.

The number 6 was expecting an intense contest against a Bulldogs team featuring Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Jaeman Salmon and captain Chrichton.

“We’ve done a lot of opposed against each other out here, so it might be similar to that, but it will probably be a lot more intense as we fight out there for the two points,” Luai told the Western Weekender.

“We’re all competitors at the end of the day and we all love to win.

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“It’s going to be good coming up against our brothers.

“But that’s footy – this is what it’s all about – it’s about going up against your mates, no mates on the field.”

The Panthers and Bulldogs face off at 6pm.