Storm forward Ryan Hoffman says his side needs to be ready for a buoyant Penrith line-up on Saturday if they are to record victory in their first home match of the year.
The Panthers accounted for Newcastle in Round 1 with Ivan Cleary's side looking energised as a number of new recruits helped the club to an upset victory.
"They were fantastic last week, Newcastle were a hot side last year. Penrith played really well," Hoffman said.
"They've got some players who were fringe first-graders last year have now cemented themselves as starting first-graders now.
"We've done all our preparation based on what they have done in the trials and what they did last week.
"We feel we are going to be able to prepare very well and know we are going to be in for a tough game."
Hoffman believes Storm will need to put plenty of time into Penrith's halves combination on Saturday, with both Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace performing strongly, recording a try assist each.
"Their halves in Soward and Wallace, they've got points to prove themselves and they certainly did that on the weekend," Hoffman said.
Be there this Saturday to support Cam and Billy and their milestones. Book your tickets to Storm v Panthers, 5:30pm AAMI Park here.
"They've got some quality blokes in the middle, so we must stop their go forward, guys like Wallace and Soward just play off the back of that, they've got too much skill out wide to not capitalise on those opportunities.
"We know we're going to have to work very hard from marker putting pressure on him because if you give a player like him time to pin point his kicks he's going to make life hard for Billy."
With the effects of concussion on players a talking point over the last month in rugby league, Hoffman delivered his thoughts on the issue, commending the NRL's proactive approach.
"What we have is the upmost confidence in our medical staff," Hoffman said.
"We know that they are not going to put us in situations where its going to be dangerous for us, whether immediately or long term.
"I think the NRL is doing the right thing putting in these new rules for concussion and rules for the shoulder charge to try and minimise.
"Its good to see the NRL putting their foot forward and making sure they've got the right processes in place."
