Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is happy to rest all six of his State of Origin contingent from Sunday’s clash with the battling Dragons knowing the long-term benefits of giving them a break.
Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To‘o and Liam Martin were all named to face St George Illawarra just four days after lining up for NSW in the Origin opener.
Six of Penrith‘s seven representatives backed up after Origin I last year, and all seven did the same following the second game.
But Cleary then rested all seven after Origin III, with the understrength Panthers still able to beat the Wests Tigers before his team went on to secure a second-straight NRL premiership.
With that recent history in mind, and with the prospect of Izack Tago, Matt Eisenhuth and Spencer Leniu returning from injury, Cleary said resting his main men remained a strong option.
“We‘ve got some contingency plans around that,” he said.
“A lot goes into it, from the whole schedule to how they‘ve been going, all that kind of stuff. It’s a bit (of a) formula.
“I was really happy with last year. We definitely learned a bit from the previous year.
“It doesn‘t mean you ever think you’ve got it nailed, but we know a bit more about it now.”
The Panthers have a bye during the Origin period but not until the week before the third game, giving Cleary selection questions after the opening two matches.
Leniu (testicle), Tago (pectoral) and Eisenhuth (shoulder) are all chances to return from injury to face the Dragons after being named in the reserves.
“They’re looking pretty good. It’s a Sunday game, so there’s a fair bit to go before then,” Cleary said.
“Everyone‘s actually looking all right. I’ve got a few decisions to make later in the week.”
Cleary said he would watch the opening Origin in Adelaide with a “couple of beers” knowing there’s more at stake for him than most, with so many players, including his son, on the park.
“I get out of there and enjoy myself, have a couple of beers to take the nerves out,” he said.
“I’m a little bit protective from a coaching point of view because I really want them to win. Not just because I’m a New South Welshman and all the boys that I coach and my son are, but I understand the repercussions if NSW don’t win and where they’ll be aimed at.”