Penrith coach John Lang wants his side to develop a killer instinct against lower opposition and he's using Brisbane as the model.

The Panthers moved to outright leaders on the National Rugby League table following their 30-24 victory over South Sydney but Lang noted the players were subdued after the match because of their mixed performance.

They led 30-10 after 57 minutes but the Rabbitohs put on three quick tries to give the Panthers a scare before losing their 15th match of a forgettable season.

"The Broncos have developed a mind-set in which they go out and methodically put the lower sides away," said Lang.

"That's the sort of thing we're still learning to do. I'm not saying we're that good yet either.

"If you want to be a consistently good side you have to be able to do that and that's still part of our learning process."

Panthers chief executive Shane Richardson said the next four matches would determine the side's premiership credentials.

"We've got I call Amen's Corner coming up," he said in an analogy of the treacherous 11th, 12th and 13th holes at Augusta golf course.

"When we come out of that, we'll know where we stand."

The Panthers face a tough trip to Newcastle on Friday night before meeting defending premiers Sydney Roosters at home and St George Illawarra and Brisbane away.

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