Sharks not litmus test for Panthers

Penrith can move into the top eight by breaking Cronulla's record-setting winning NRL run but they insist it can't be used as a gauge of their finals credentials.

The Panthers are wedged in a logjam of teams jostling for a spot on the outskirts of the top eight and in a stroke of good luck have been drawn to play the table-topping Sharks without their State of Origin stars at Pepper Stadium on Sunday.

The Sharks last week recorded their 12th straight win - a club record - however have been rated $3 outsiders with the bookies due to Paul Gallen, James Maloney, Jack Bird, Wade Graham and Andrew Fifita being in camp with NSW preparing for next week's game three.

While happy to take on the premiership co-favourites minus their stars, backrower Trent Merrin questioned whether they would get a true measure on where they stand.

"I'd actually love to play them with all their players in, that's when you get a true test of character and you want to play against the best players," Merrin said.

"But we'll take them on without their guns.

"They're still going to be a handful. Players step up when the leaders are out."

The Panthers go into the round in ninth spot, behind the eighth-placed Warriors on points differential.

If they can beat the Sharks by four points or more, they will jump into the eight ahead of the Warriors, who have the bye.