By PETER JESSUP AND NZPA
Penrith's run at the NRL premiership may be over with halfback Craig Gower due to see doctors today with suspicion he will be ruled out for the season.
Gower was to have returned after a four-week break with a knee problem to lead the Panthers against Parramatta but tore the meniscus ligament in his knee at a late training and will undergo an operation to have it cut and stitched.
He could be out four to six weeks with a minor tear, or six months if it is more serious.
Amos Roberts filled in admirably against the Eels, scoring two tries and setting up two more with a kick and a spot pass in the 26-16 win, but the Panthers will miss Gower's experience in the crunch games.
Kiwi 18th man Frank Pritchard's season is also in doubt with a serious leg injury. Michael Vella and Nathan Hindmarsh were good for the rejuvenated Eels.
The Panthers, Roosters and Bulldogs all won in front of big crowds at the weekend to maintain their leading positions on the table.
Second rower/prop Anthony Tupou was the headline act for the Roosters in their 56-0 demolition of Wests on Friday night in front of a record Campbelltown crowd of 18,660, who booed the Tigers off at the break when they were 40-0 down. Brett Finch steered the victory and scored three tries for his support play and Ryan Cross grabbed two with his speed out wide.
A total of 20,567 watched the Penrith game and there were 20,207 at Townsville to see the Cowboys let a 16-12 lead slip to 18-32 defeat as the Bulldogs ran in three late tries. Matt Sing scored two for the Cowboys in the first half and Matt Bowen went 90m for a great solo effort.
The Cowboys lost halfback Chris Sheppard in the second spell with a knee and ankle problem.
The Dogs had lost their half Brent Sherwin before the game with a leg injury, but Jamaal Lolesi, Andrew Ryan and Hazem El Masri scored and El Masri kicked six goals from six.
In yesterday's matches, the Dragons and Newcastle each posted 50 points.
Newcastle walloped bottom-of-the-table Many 56-12 in their 10-try romp, while the Dragons also went on a 10-try spree to thump Souths 52-12.
In the other match the Raiders held out the Broncos 21-14.
* Halfback Willie Peters has been released by Souths to accept an offer from Widnes.
Other NRL clubs have asked for details of the deal that kept Andrew Johns at Newcastle, fearing it may leave the Knights with an advantage in respect to the salary cap.
NRL points table and fixtures
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from NRL
'Part of the game': Ex-ABs doc dismisses NRL kickoff ban claims
A debate has broken out over an Anzac Weekend incident in the NRL.