LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Brian To'o Drops Panthers Hint at NSW Blues Awards Amid Calls for Ivan Cleary to Double Down

Ivan Cleary appears set to at least rest Brian To'o again during the round 27 clash against the Dragons, with others still likely, with the Penrith Panthers winger winning the player of the series award for the NSW Blues. To'o was rewarded for a brilliant individual series against Queensland, having won the Brad Fittler medal for his efforts.

To'o scored five tries across the three games, including a hat-trick in Game 2. However, it was his performance from the back that distinguished him from his teammates, as he ran for over 220 metres in each match.

Despite To'o's impressive contributions, the Blues fell short in the decider, with Billy Slater's team securing victory in a fiercely contested Game 3. Nevertheless, To'o hinted at Cleary's approach for the final match of the regular season as fans gear up for finals footy.

Much discussion surrounded Cleary's decision to rest 16 Panthers players against the Bulldogs, effectively conceding a top-four finish. In that match, only Brad Schneider from the previous week's 17 made an appearance.

As a result, Penrith suffered a lopsided 28-4 defeat, eliminating their chances for a home final. While Cleary faced criticism for this decision, many acknowledged it was permissible within the rules.

Calls for Cleary to double down in round 27 have surfaced since the Panthers have already secured a place in the top eight, suggesting that one of his stars may not feature. The Sydney Morning Herald reporter Christian Nicolussi noted that the winger informed Brad Fittler he would not be playing against the Dragons.

Cleary might also choose to rest Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, and Isaah Yeo again if he believes their final standing won't change. However, with the team in an unusual position this season, momentum heading into the NRL finals could be vital. Cleary mentioned that the team has devised a plan leading into the finals but was reticent to share specifics. "Yeah, we've got a plan. So we will just see how it goes," he stated in a post-match press conference last Thursday.