LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Panthers have made a surprising decision to rest 16 players following their loss to Canberra last week. As a result, four squad members are set to make their NRL debuts this Thursday night against the Bulldogs.
This decision led to a significant shift in betting odds, with the Panthers moving from $1.60 favorites to $2.30 outsiders, indicating that substantial changes were on the horizon.
Eventually, betting was suspended, and some bookmakers listed the four-time champions at $7.25, signaling their diminished hopes of finishing in the top four, a feat that had already become unlikely after two consecutive golden point losses.
Star players such as Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin will be absent from this week's game, although Penrith is expected to reintegrate these players for their matchup against the Dragons next week, as they prepare for the upcoming finals.
While resting players is a strategy commonly employed by top teams, it often leaves fans feeling disappointed, especially at this time of year.
Daine Laurie will take the field as fullback, with Paul Alamoti on a wing and Brad Schneider as halfback. However, the team features a mostly inexperienced lineup, supported by veteran Matt Eisenhuth, who will captain the side against Canterbury.
"It can get you complacent sometimes, but I think everyone here is task focused so this week is more about us than it is about them," commented Bulldogs utility Kurt Mann when asked about the anticipated player changes.