Red-hot Penrith, riding a seven-game National Rugby League winning streak, is now applying the heat on competition-leading Canberra with the promise of more improvement to come.

Panthers coach John Lang, still basking in his side's 34-12 win over the New Zealand Warriors last night, has warned his players are only scratching the surface of their potential.

Saturday night's win consolidated Penrith's position in the top four and left it only two points behind the Raiders.

Canberra moved back into sole ownership of top spot thanks to a 20-14 win over Cronulla on Friday night and Brisbane's 32-22 loss to Newcastle on Sunday.

"I think we're miles away from (our best)," Lang said.

"Last night was the first night I felt we were able to maintain our intensity for 80 minutes.

"I think there's lots and lots of improvement. Everybody improves as the season goes on."

The Roosters are the other side making up the upper echelon of the NRL after a 27-20 win over Melbourne at Olympic Park.

Roosters centre Justin Hodges was placed on report for a high tackle on fellow Queenslander Billy Slater during the premier's victory.

The chasing pack is led by the Storm and includes the Warriors, Newcastle and the surprising North Queensland Cowboys.

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