By PETER JESSUP
Warriors fans can't begrudge the Panthers a few tries in the game at Penrith on Sunday - a sponsor of the Sydney club is stung $1000 for charity for every touchdown.
But they won't want a repeat of last weekend's six, so the Warriors' focus this week has been on defence, tightening up the areas they know will be pressed, especially by Panthers internationals Craig Gower and Ryan Girdler.
The home side made A$6000 from the general manager of new sponsor National Telecoms Group against Melbourne last weekend after picking up on a throw-away line he delivered at the sponsorship signing.
He said he would give A$1000 to the team fund every time a player pointed to the company logo after crossing to score.
The unusual fundraiser caused a stir at NRL headquarters, where board member Ian Schubert questioned its effect on the salary cap.
But the Panthers had already defused any controversy, giving the money to junior player Mitchell Collins, who suffered a spinal injury in an age group game this season, and to a local paraplegic woman who always attends games and needs a new wheelchair.
Gower, the Panthers' captain, took part in training yesterday after being out for a fortnight with a dislocated finger.
If he can't play against the Warriors, hooker Luke Priddis seems sure to go to halfback.
The Warriors have made no changes to the team named this week.
Former Canberra and North Queensland coach Tim Sheens has been confirmed as the replacement for Terry Lamb at Wests Tigers next season.
He immediately said he had been given approval to spend A$600,000 on new players and would be looking to buy some from New Zealand. He would also look at rugby union.
Former Western Suburbs, Tigers and North Queensland centre Ken McGuinness has quit the game because of a repeat hamstring injury.
Rugby League: Generosity is okay - but only a little bit
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