Panthers workhorse Matt Eisenhuth facing grand final heartbreak after Scott Sorensen's return from injury

Panthers workhorse Matt Eisenhuth could be set to miss out on the grand final again after Scott Sorensen's comeback from injury.

Sorensen had been named in the reserves on Tuesday after he'd missed both finals games due to a hamstring injury.

But Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed on Saturday afternoon that Sorensen would be in the 17.

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"He'll be playing tomorrow," he told media.

"It's awesome, Soro's been a big part of our team the last three years.

"He's a real soldier in our team. He's like the old man out there so he brings a bit of experience and an all-round good guy.

"Everyone was pretty bummed when he got injured a few weeks ago and it looked like that was the end for him this year and he was really devastated so for him to be able to work so hard and get back and make a contribution tomorrow is good."

On the flip side, it means Cleary will have to drop one player.

Luke Garner moved into the starting side after Sorensen's injury. Lindsay Smith and Liam Henry have both been regulars on the bench while Brad Schneider provides halves cover.

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Matt Eisenhuth pushed onto the bench for both matches.

Cleary wouldn't reveal who was missing out, stating "I've got things covered" before admitting it's a "real downer" to have to make that call.

"You'd love them all to play but they can't unfortunately," he said.

Since joining the club in 2021, Eisenhuth has been the forward who has missed out on all three grand finals.

In his first year he played 19 games, before 16 the next season. In 2023 he featured 11 times while he's played 20 this year.