The Panthers have won six consecutive matches to climb into the top eight, but must continue the run to ensure they remain there. Griffin is contracted until the end of 2018, but the streak has convinced club officials to offer him a new deal that will keep him at the foot of the mountains until the end of 2020.

The former Broncos coach enjoyed immediate success after switching to Penrith last year and has got the side back on track after a slow start to 2017. Griffin's reward will be a new contract that will be announced soon.

"He's part of the long-term future development our young kids," Panthers chief executive Bryan Fletcher said.

"With all of the young people and players here, the culture is where you want it.

"All the players are so young - our team only averages 23 years of age - so we've got to continue that development.

"He's brought that culture here with Phil Gould and we need them both to be a long-term part of the club.

"The future is in our hands now and they are the two people at the top leading it. It's in our interests and that of the board; they are unanimous in their decision to keep both of them here long term."

Griffin compiled a 53 per cent winning record during his time in charge at Brisbane, but it wasn't enough to prevent him from being punted from Red Hill.
The 50-year-old was brought to Penrith to replace Ivan Cleary, who was sacked, and has gone on to win 27 from 46, for a strike rate of 59 per cent.

Griffin has overseen the rise of a host of talented local juniors, to the point where eight home-grown products are in the current side. It is expected that by next year, 80 per cent of the side will have made its debut in Panthers colours.

The Raiders ended Penrith's campaign at the semi-final stage last season and the chocolate soldiers can exact revenge by officially ending the Green Machine's slim play-off chances with victory at GIO Stadium on Sunday.

In another boost for the Panthers, international forward Trent Merrin will return after being sidelined for five weeks with a knee injury.

Griffin said the representative lock was a certain starter.

"Trent will be right, he'll play tomorrow," Griffin said on Saturday.

"He got through everything he needed to do; he got a good run this morning. He will be in our 17.

"It's good, particularly losing [hooker Peter] Wallace, obviously a senior player with some experience. That balances that up a bit for us even though we'd love to have Peter there. It's nice to have Trent back.

"Trent's got a lot of experience; he's a Test player. He's done a great job for us over the last two years. To have that type of forward come into our side - particularly against these guys tomorrow - it's a real boost for us."

The Panthers came into the round in sixth spot, meaning they are still capable of jagging a top four berth. However, their remaining games are difficult ones (they finish the season with matches against Canberra, St George Illawarra and Manly) that could still see them fall out of the top eight.

"It's a big game, it's nice to be playing in the big games at this time of year," Griffin said.

"Obviously Canberra in Canberra, it doesn't get much tougher on the road against them.

"We're looking forward to the challenge."

Asked about the reasons behind the recent run, Griffin said: "Just a good vibe around the team and the club.

"They're enjoying their football at the moment and we can sense we're getting close to the back end of the year.

"We've got an opportunity. In general, they're a good bunch of players that are enjoying their time at the moment."