LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary believes that participation in the Origin arena could have a "flow-on effect" for several of his players, potentially aiding their underperforming squad as they aim for revival in the latter part of the season.
According to reports from au.news.yahoo.com, all five Panthers selected for NSW in the Origin opener are set to play against the Parramatta Eels, who are also struggling near the bottom of the standings.
Cleary is optimistic about their performance, stating that barring injuries, it's likely that key players, including his son and captain Nathan Cleary, will participate, especially since the team had a bye before entering Origin camp.
However, the challenges ahead remain, as the Panthers will face tough matches against the third-placed Warriors and ladder leaders, the Bulldogs, during the Origin period.
Despite their current position at the bottom, Cleary remains hopeful, asserting that overall ladder positions are not as significant in what he describes as "about as even as I can remember" a season.
This parity, he believes, creates an opportunity for his team to capitalize on their Origin experience and possibly surge forward in the competition.