Alexander, who guided the Panthers to their first premiership in 1991 against Canberra at halfback, said Penrith's error-ridden start to the year has robbed Nathan Cleary and James Maloney any hope of finding their best.

The Panthers playmakers will be desperate for a big game at Equex Centre to help kickstart a Penrith side which has won just two of seven games.

The incumbent NSW halves pairing need to hit their straps before the Blues coaching staff, including Alexander, sit down to choose their team for Origin I.

Cleary and Maloney guided the Blues to a series victory last year, but are coming under heavy pressure to keep their spots from in-form duo Luke Keary (Roosters) and Cody Walker (Souths).

They're not going as bad as you read. They haven't been going terrible, they just haven't been starring," Alexander said.

"I don't think our overall game, especially the first four or five rounds where we didn't hold the ball helped them, that makes it difficult for the halves.

"I had a chat to them about their kicking game this week, that if we keep putting the ball on the spot, some luck will fall our way. I'm not massively disappointed with what they've offered so far."

Panthers big man Reagan Campbell-Gillard began the year slowly after being the cornerstone of the Blues pack in 2018, but delivered his best performance of the season in Penrith's unlucky 22-18 loss to Souths.

They showed good signs of turning the corner against a competition heavyweight.

But Alexander said wins now are crucial, or the dreaded 'm' word could be uttered sooner than hoped.

"It was a good performance, but not good enough," Alexander said.

"You need to win, it's at that stage now if we don't win a couple in your next three, you're starting to talk mathematical already.

"Reagan had his best game last week but he had a bit of ground to catch up. His form dipped for a while and there's probably circumstances surrounding that with his two broken jaws, and a bit of confidence."

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