Parramatta appear set for an improved showing in the NRL this year after holding Penrith scoreless in a surprise 20-0 victory in their final pre-season trial.

A Panthers side, widely tipped to contend for the title, were caned on Saturday night in the penalties, resulting in skipper James Maloney’s second-half sin-binning.

In what was coach Ivan Cleary’s first game back at Penrith since his controversial return from the Wests Tigers, the home fans had little to celebrate.

The Panthers spent most of the contest defending their line against an Eels side who, while still not fluent in attack, were far more disciplined in a dour affair.

Marquee recruit Blake Ferguson looks ready to pick up where he had left off last year with a typically powerful 60-minute display in his first appearance for the club.

Captain Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses were both sharp, while rookie five-eighth Dylan Brown also had some neat touches.

George Jennings, Peni Terepo, Shaun Lane and Maiko Sivo all scored tries for Parramatta who finished last year with the wooden spoon.

However, there might be concerns for second-rower Manu Ma’u, who limped off late in that game with what appeared to be a knee injury.

High-profile recruit Junior Paulo was also a late scratching due to a groin issue.

For the Panthers, their only positive was that star halfback Nathan Cleary came through unscathed on his return from ankle surgery with a 40-minute hit-out.

The only players missing were Viliame Kikau, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Josh Mansour, however the latter two are expected to be available in round one.

Tyrone May was also a pre-match withdrawal after the utility had been identified as the Penrith player allegedly involved in a sex video scandal.

But the scoreline and lethargic display will undoubtedly be a bigger concern for coach Cleary ahead of their season-opening re-match against the Eels.