The 2016 preliminary final replay brings together two well-fancied teams in the title race this season, and both sides will arrive at Wade Park with big first round wins to their name.

Panthers scored a 40-12 win over the Lithgow Workies on Sunday while CYMS easily accounted for St Pat’s 42-6.

It’s only a four-day turnaround for both teams but Panthers coach Todd Barrow believes his side are up for the challenge.

“All the boys are really looking forward to playing on Thursday. There’s been a lot of talk about both teams so it should be a good game,” he said.

“They’ve been a great side for a long time so we’re going to have to be a lot better than what we were last weekend.”

Panthers had 10 errors to four going into the break during the Workies match but looked a much more composed outfit in the second half.

Barrow wants to see that football from the opening whistle this time.

“Our completions need to improve. It’s just about being patient. Hopefully that first game has got rid of a few cobwebs,” he said.

The game will also see one of the Panthers’ new recruits Simon Osborne going up against his former club for the first time.

Panthers won’t be making any changes to the team which downed the Workies, unless Blake Lawson recovers from an ankle injury in time.

Match start is 9pm.