LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Penrith Panthers' NSW Cup team has faced a disappointing end to their season, eliminated from finals contention based on points differential after having 16 players called up for the NRL match against the Bulldogs. Jett Cleary, who suffered a head knock during the Warriors' NSW Cup game, managed to avoid missing any finals clashes.
There was considerable discussion surrounding Ivan Cleary's choice to rest 16 players for the match against the Bulldogs, as the coach seemed to acknowledge that the team would likely not secure a spot in the top four. This decision led to the resting of nearly all regular starters, with only Brad Schneider remaining in the lineup from the previous week's game.
Consequently, Cleary had to call up a large number of players from the NSW Cup team. Although they performed admirably during the first half against the Bulldogs, Penrith ultimately lost 28-4. While the decision was aimed at giving the first-grade side some much-needed rest before the NRL finals, it significantly impacted the NSW Cup team.
In their final regular-season game, the Penrith Panthers NSW Cup team was defeated by the Raiders 34-8, lacking many of their key players. This result allowed the Raiders and Panthers to both end the season with 30 points. However, the Raiders secured fifth place due to a superior points differential. Only the top five teams advance to the finals, with the Warriors finishing first and receiving a bye, which meant the Panthers missed out on NSW Cup finals thanks to their lower points differential.
This outcome would be particularly disheartening for several NSW Cup players, as their season concluded without the opportunity to challenge the Raiders and stay in the competition. Nevertheless, a number of Panthers players made their NRL debut against the Bulldogs on Thursday night, providing a personal milestone amidst the disappointment.
Cleary's decision was made with the long-term benefits for the Panthers in mind, which was the rationale behind resting such a large number of players. While opinions may vary on whether such a strategy is beneficial for the sport, Cleary acted within his rights to prioritize the team's future.