Wests Tigers out to make amends in Panthers rematch

Wests Tigers winger Mahe Fonua insists the side haven't forgotten last month's heartbreaking 9-8 defeat to Penrith but won't use Friday night's clash as an act of revenge.

The build-up to the club's second clash against the Panthers has been tame in comparison to the pre-game hype leading into Ivan Cleary's first battle with his former club in round four.

Cleary's Panthers had the final say with a get out of jail performance in the golden point grudge match but neither side has really kicked on since the result with disappointing losses over the past month.

"It does still hurt a little, to put in so much effort after 80 minutes and to lose by a field goal," Fonua told NRL.com.

"Those games are a tough one to swallow when we didn't play too bad. It was a game we let slip, it's not something we've spoken about too much but there are a few boys that are keen to get one back on Penrith for it."

The right edge of Fonua and teammate Esan Marsters had a difficult night in last week's 42-12 loss to the Roosters at the SCG with the Tricolours' formidable left edge causing havoc - six tries down their left channel.

"We're still building a few combinations amongst ourselves, we've had a couple of different halves on the edge and Esan and I have only played together this year," Fonua said.

"Hopefully we can form the same relationship the left edge of the Roosters have built and can be just as damaging.

"I think a lot of our players and coaching staff thought we didn't play too badly, it was a few key things that let us down and it resulted in that scoreline.

"There were some positives and a few lessons to take out of it. They're the benchmark."

Fonua is looking forward to the Magic Round concept at Suncorp Stadium, which kicked off in last night's Sharks-Titans clash, after playing on Magic weekend for Hull FC in the English Super League.

"I reckon it's been good they've taken it on board in the first place," Fonua said.

"When I participated in England it's a real good vibe with all the clubs and games in one stadium.

"It's a luxury for all fans. People get dressed up in a seven's or nine's theme with costumes. Hopefully that will start over this weekend."

Just don't expect the side to break out into any try-scoring celebrations if the game is on the line.

"We won't lair up after a big loss last week, we're knuckling down but we'll see depending on the time of the match and situation we're in if it's worth a celebration try," Fonua said.