Penrith look set to feature an all-new second-row for the pivotal clash against Melbourne after Liam Martin received a one-game ban from the NRL match review committee.
Martin was charged with grade-two dangerous contact for taking out Daejarn Asi's legs as the Parramatta halfback kicked during the second half of the Panthers' 36-34 comeback win on Friday night.
The NRL has been particularly strict on similar shots this season, with Aidan Sezer, Freddy Lussick and Harry Grant among others to have been scrutinised.
Martin went to the sin bin for his shot and is now set to miss Thursday's clash against Melbourne, which will likely determine who will finish with the minor premiership.
Martin risks also missing the round-25 clash against Canberra if he elects to take his charge to the judiciary.
The suspension means Penrith look set to name an all-new second row against the Storm after Scott Sorensen suffered a hamstring injury in the win over the Eels.
Mavrik Geyer is likely to be promoted to the starting side while mid-season recruit Asu Kepaoa and mature-aged rookie Preston Riki are two other options to come in.
Premiership winner Luke Garner would have been a walk-up start but remains sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury.
Elsewhere, Gold Coast's slim finals chances have taken another hit with Moeaki Fotuaika set to miss next week's clash against St George Illawarra through suspension.
The prop went to the sin bin for laying a high tackle on Cronulla captain Cam McInnes in the 44-0 loss that all but ended the Titans' top-eight hopes on Friday night.
Post-match, captain Kieran Foran said the Titans had not yet given up hope of a finals berth, but they will need to win next week without their most important middle forward in Fotuaika.
The Queensland representative will miss a second game if he unsuccessfully challenges his grade-two careless high tackle charge.
