Reporter Brent Read believes the Panthers made the wrong call by resting 16 players against the Bulldogs back in Round 26, and they instead should have pushed harder to finish in the top four.<\/p>\n
With two rounds remaining, the Panthers were three competition points behind the fourth placed Warriors and still a mathematical chance of finishing in the top four.<\/p>\n
But by resting so many players, the Panthers virtually handed the Bulldogs a 28-4 victory which ended Penrith\u2019s hopes of finishing in the top four.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Read felt the Panthers, who finished seventh, should have prioritised a top four finish.<\/p>\n \u201cI think they made a mistake resting all those players a few weeks ago,\u201d Read said on NRL 360 on Monday night.<\/p>\n \u201cI think they had to have a red hot go at the top four.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that was crucial. They had to try and make the top four and we\u2019ve seen that.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s been proven.<\/p>\n \u201cEven a side as good as they are.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was basically saying, we\u2019re done.\u201d<\/p>\n But while the Panthers exited the competition on Sunday with a 16-14 preliminary final loss to the Broncos, host Braith Anasta defended their decision.<\/p>\n \u201cThey nearly won yesterday,\u201d Anasta said.<\/p>\n Read interjected.<\/p>\n \u201cThey did nearly win. But they didn\u2019t,\u201d Read said.<\/p>\n \u201cHindsight is a wonderful thing,\u201d Anasta responded.<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n DYNASTY OVER: Reynolds\u2019 clutch kick ends Panthers\u2019 reign in 16-pt prelim miracle<\/a><\/p>\n BRONCOS RATINGS: Haas herculean, Walsh recovers from blunder; Reynolds clutch<\/a><\/p>\n