With the Panthers' scalp in his pocket, Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire sees the NRL clash with Parramatta on Sunday as another chance for his fledgling side to show their growth.
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After an ugly start to the season, the Tigers have won three of their last four and drew confidence last round by becoming the first team to knock off leaders Penrith, albeit without their State of Origin stars.
Maguire said his players were up for the next challenge against the Eels, who sit third on the ladder.
"It's a very important game for us and it's another big test for us," Maguire said on Saturday ahead of the Bankwest Stadium match.
"We've got a lot of work to do and we are up for the challenge - this is an opportunity for us to take another step forward.
"The Eels have quality across the park; they are up the top of the ladder for a reason.
"They have plenty of strike but we know our game and know how we want to play."
Five-eighth Billy Walters is set to play his first NRL game since suffering an ACL injury in round 13 last year, replacing veteran playmaker Moses Mbye who is out with a knee injury.
Queensland Origin forward Joe Ofahengaue has been cleared to play after turning out for the Maroons in their heavy loss in game one on Wednesday.
NRL development player Kelma Tuilagi has dropped out of the squad.
Maguire said there was plenty of upside for his team, who are only two points outside a cluster of teams in eighth spot on the ladder.
"Each week, we need to keep improving as we have been," Maguire said.
"Our combinations are continually building. The younger guys are starting to understand the game a lot more now."
Australian Associated Press
