Manly coach Trent Barrett is hoping to be given a "fair crack" by NRL referees in Saturday's must-win match against Penrith.

The Sea Eagles need to beat the Panthers in their final-round clash to guarantee a spot in the NRL finals series and avoid an early holiday for the second-straight season.

A loss would open the door for a desperate St George Illawarra to snatch a top-eight spot should they beat Canterbury on Sunday.

Barrett on Friday had no hesitation in calling for match officials to referee both sides equally after his men were caned 14-4 in an eight-point loss to the Panthers in early July.

"It was two tries apiece, we lost on goals and didn't really have a chance to win that game," Barrett said prior to his team's captain's run on Friday.

"I'm hoping we do get a fair crack tomorrow.

"I did go and see (referees boss Tony Archer) after that game and we sorted a few things out. Those two points would've been handy now, but they're gone.

"It just makes it all the more important we win tomorrow."

The second-year coach is banking on what is expected to be a near-capacity crowd at Lottoland, together with the farewell of three club legends, to help ensure an even contest.

The Sea Eagles have planned tributes for Brett Stewart, Steve Matai and Matt Ballin, however Matai told the club he was unable to be attend the festivities.

"It certainly adds to the occasion of the game. But if you need any extra motivation to get up for this one you shouldn't be wearing the jumper," Barrett said.

"I just don't want a 14-4 penalty count again. Just an even contest would be nice and both sides refereed consistently. That's all any coach asks for."

The Sea Eagles will be buoyed by the anticipated return of second-rower Curtis Sironen, who hasn't played since tearing his pectoral muscle in June but is expected to play all 80 minutes.

"He's having a terrific year prior to the injury that he had. It's certainly good to get some quality players back at this time of the year," Barrett said.

"He's worked really hard to get back in the 10 weeks. His talk's really important for us on that right edge and all the boys are pretty happy to have him back."

While the Sea Eagles get one of their main weapons back, the Panthers have lost a vital cog - rookie fullback Dylan Edwards.

Veteran Dean Whare will wear the No.1 jersey, however Panthers coach Anthony Griffin said skipper Matt Moylan could be a late inclusion from a hamstring injury.

"We'll give him every chance. I'll go and check him out now, he did some more running this morning," Griffin said on Friday.

STATS THAT MATTER

* Since round 20, the Sea Eagles have conceded the second most points (31.8 per game) and missed the most tackles (42.4 per game) in the league.

* Penrith are averaging the most tackles inside the opposition 20-metre zone than any other team (35.7 per game), but have the worst strike rate in the league (15.2 per try).

* With 28 wins from 49 matches, Anthony Griffin will have the best record of any Penrith coach at 50 games besides Phil Gould, who won 36 of his first 50 games at the club.