NRL: Panthers stick with Gordon

Lachlan Coote. Photo / Getty Images

Penrith coach Matthew Elliott has resisted the temptation to rush back impressive fullback Lachlan Coote for Saturday night's NRL semifinal against the Sydney Roosters.

Coote says he is ready to return after six weeks out with a groin injury, but Elliott has decided to stick with NSW winger Michael Gordon in the No 1 jumper with the Panthers' season on the line.

The only changes to the side which went down to Canberra last week are in the pack, with Gavin Cooper and Nathan Smith coming in for injured internationals Trent Waterhouse and Frank Pritchard while skipper Petero Civoniceva returns in the front row after a suspension.