Despite coming into the year as one of the competition favourites, Penrith have won just two of their first seven games to sit 14^th on the NRL ladder.

They are four points adrift of eighth-placed St George Illawarra and six points behind fourth-placed Canberra, their rivals at Equex Centre on Saturday.

They've lost their last two games by four points, something the former Australian player admits has been frustrating for a side who have lost four games by eight points or less.

"It's been a bit frustrating as in some games for the last couple of rounds we've been up there, have competed and then dropped off," Tamou said.

"It's a bit frustrating and we've had three losses in a row now.

"We're definitely looking for a win and it doesn't get any earlier with the Raiders.

"Bar the weekend, they're doing pretty well."

Penrith are no strangers to playing games in the bush.

They have an arrangement in Bathurst and have played a game in the central west in each of the last six seasons.

He's looking forward to bring the game to Wagga.

"I love Bathurst and look forward to that game every year," he said.

"To go to Wagga, I've got some family coming as well, who are not far from Wagga so I enjoy it and the country aspect.

"The type of lifestyle I grew up with was laid back, country style and coming from Townsville I enjoyed it so I quite enjoy coming to the country side of things and bringing rugby league there."

Tamou said there is always a different feeling playing at regional venues.

He expects nothing less at Equex Centre on Saturday.

"You feel the crowd is closer and you can definitely hear them more," Tamou said.

"You interact more with the crowd and it brings it a bit more to life."

Tamou started the season as six co-captains of the club before being elevated to the lone leadership role a fortnight ago.

The Panthers have lost both games by four points since he's been at the helm, but the 30-year-old believes he's adapting to a bigger leadership role.

"Once Ivan (Cleary) told me about it I saw it as an opportunity," he said.

"I've said it the past this team has leadership all over and one of the main ones is Jimmy Maloney.

"I'm not on the field for 80 minutes so he obviouslt steps in there and even at training I still look to him and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak just for their input and to help out as I'm still taking it all in my stride being a new role."

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