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

Coote on Monday declared himself ready to return after six weeks out with a groin injury, but Elliott 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 following suspension.

Prop Frank Puletua, former Wests Tigers backrower Daine Laurie and Cronulla bound playmaker Wade Graham have all been added to the bench, with two to drop off on game day.

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