Lote Tuqiri didn't recognise himself when he looked up at the big screen to watch replays of his Superman try against Manly in Friday's NRL qualifying final.

Russell Packer may soon get his first taste of freedom since being imprisoned and is eyeing a return to the NRL next year.

The Panthers remain on track for a grand final appearance, after a nail-biting victory over the Roosters last night.

There are a core of players who will be close - or beyond - the mythical 50 NRL-game barrier that separates the eager from the experienced.

The Warriors have continued their pursuit of Manly centre Steve Matai and remain hopeful the Sea Eagles will grant him a release for next season in the NRL.

Hours before the Warriors' showdown against the Panthers last Sunday, fullback Sam Tomkins took to Twitter seeking information about the death of his friend and Wigan junior teammate Luke Rhoden.

With the Warriors producing yet another season of mediocrity questions remain over the direction the club will take through the off-season.

Changes to the Warriors' playing group and off-field staff are expected once the club completes their end-of-season review process.

Manly star Brett Stewart is to play in tomorrow night's qualifying final against South Sydney after training strongly at the club's Narrabeen base yesterday.

Stephen Kearney says the door is still open for Benji Marshall to play for the Kiwis, despite his omission from the train-on squad for the upcoming Four Nations tournament.

Warriors captain Simon Mannering admits Sunday's limp performance against the Penrith Panthers proved they were not worthy of a top-eight finish.

Ryan Hoffman admits he can't help but imagine a dream premiership farewell to his 12 NRL seasons with Melbourne.

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Warriors do-or-die clash with the Penrith Panthers at Sportingbet Stadium in Australia.

Sometimes sport serves up delicious irony. Ivan Cleary was the last coach to take the Warriors to the playoffs and now his Penrith side stand between the Auckland club and the end of their top-eight dreams.

Stop the rot and positive results will follow. Turmoil leads to disasters on the scoreboard and table.

The last thing on Benji Marshall's mind on his NRL return was a test recall but that seems less far-fetched after a chat with New Zealand coach Steve Kearney.