Panthers Origin stars hopeful of backing up for ‘really good looking’ NZ Warriors clash: Cleary

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says the Panthers are hopeful of having some, if not all, of their NSW Origin stars on deck for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with the New Zealand Warriors at CommBank Stadium.

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Historically one of the NRL clubs hardest hit at Origin time, Cleary said Penrith has ‘a bunch of different plans’ depending on how things go on Wednesday night at Accor Stadium with their rep quartet of Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Casey McLean.

“It’s definitely a different phase of the year, there’s more opportunity for other guys and you have to prepare without them (Origin players),” Cleary admitted, before saying the 2026 Origin Series opener was also different to past years when the club had automatically chosen to rest its stars.

“The (Origin) game is in Sydney and we have also a Sunday night game so it’s probably the best chance to back up… sometimes you’re given little or no chance, but ultimately we won’t know until Wednesday night is over.”

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Should some of the Panthers’ stars not be able to back up, Cleary said there was still an upside for the club.

“It’s a good chance for other guys to step up and good chance for your club to get tested in terms of systems and culture,” he said.

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“It was around this time last year that our season got going, so hopefully we can be strong again this year.”

‘Both teams will be looking forward to this game’ says Cleary

As for the challenge of facing the second-placed Warriors who are on a six-match winning streak, Clearly admitted it was a big occasion, describing the Round 13 clash as ‘exciting’.

“It’s a really good looking game this Sunday against the Warriors,” he said.

“They’ve been super consistent, they’ve got a lot of players in good form, they do the basics well.

“I think both teams will be looking forward to this game, I know our boys certainly are.”

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