The Panthers won't rush the NSW Rugby League to make a decision on whether Laurie Daley needs to draft Trent Merrin into camp as a replacement for his wounded back-rowers despite wanting to avert the same 11th-hour scramble which angered the Bulldogs last year.

Alex Johnston has equalled the South Sydney try-scoring record with five of his own in a 34-point destruction of Penrith at ANZ Stadium that has kept alive the Rabbitohs' semi-final aspirations in sensational style.

Matt Moylan shouldered responsibility on Sunday night for throwing the wayward pass that set Penrith's day hurtling off course, with coach Anthony Griffin admitting the match had "just spiralled out of control" for the visitors.

He was the man who once was touted as Robbie Farah's biggest threat to retaining his NSW jumper.

The Canberra Raiders have added an outside back and and a forward to their stocks.

The Cowboys have notched a last-ditch win against Penrith, despite missing star playmaker Johnathan Thurston.

Penrith is exploring the possibility of expanding its footprint by fielding teams in the Western Region championships in what could be the blueprint for saving grassroots football in the country.

Te Maire Martin has opened up about his abrupt exit from the Penrith Panthers, admitting he became a "passenger" in his final games before he was axed to reserved grade.

Where to now for the Canberra Raiders? Do they need to go back to the drawing board over the bye?

The Canberra Raiders started the season as one of the premiership favourites, but their season hangs in the balance.

The Canberra Raiders have spoken to the NRL about taking games to the bush.

Royce Hunt's hard work has given him the opportunity to take his football to the next level.

The Canberra Raiders captain says his middles must lift to fill Shannon Boyd's boots.

Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker says it'd "be nice" if he was the next re-signing off the rank

Josh Mansour regards November 2, 2016, as the worst day of his life. But a year to the day he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a training session in Britain with the Kangaroos, Mansour will celebrate the date as the best day of his life.

Raiders centre Joey Leilua says he wants to win a premiership in Canberra.

A mentally drained Josh Papalii says Queensland forwards are fired up for Origin redemption.

The Raiders have called big Dave Taylor into their squad to help ease the pain of losing Shannon Boyd.

Jarrod Croker is adamant the Raiders need to put any injury concerns aside and beat a resurgent Penrith.