Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.
Penrith is set to implement a wild strategy to keep their hopes for a fifth straight title alive by resting a host of key players against Canterbury on Thursday.
It is understood that with a top four finish now extremely unlikely, the Panthers will prioritise being as fit and healthy as possible for an assault on the title from outside the top four.
Nathan Cleary will head a list of players to sit out Thursday night’s showdown with Canterbury, it is understood.
Speculation started to mount about Penrith’s strategy earlier today when the betting markets for Thursday’s game were turned on their head.
Penrith were favourites, and are now significant outsiders.
Penrith play Canterbury and St George-Illawarra over the final two rounds before the Finals.
Sources close to the club say players may be rested across both matches, headlined by what was to be a blockbuster showdown on Thursday.
They have lost their last two matches in Extra Time, with three of their last four matches going to Golden Point.
Ivan Cleary will name his team for Thursday’s game at 4pm tomorrow.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.