Wests Tigers second rower Gareth Ellis has been ruled out of Friday's NRL clash against Penrith with a thumb injury.

Ellis hasn't recovered from the injury he sustained in last week's loss to the Warriors.

Willie Mataka will come onto the bench but coach Tim Sheens will not name a replacement until one hour before kick-off at Leichhardt Oval.

The Panthers have injury concerns of their own with State of Origin centre Michael Jennings unlikely to play due to a corked thigh.

The Tigers have lost their last four and are four points behind the eighth-placed Panthers.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP