NRL Grand Final 2020: Panthers drop Brent Naden to bench on game eve and promote Tyrone May

Just like he did before last weekend’s preliminary final, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is banking on a late switch in his backline to provide inspiration in Sunday’s grand final against Melbourne.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Apisai Koroisau of the Panthers and Tyrone May of the Panthers celebrate after winning the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters at Panthers Stadium on October 02, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has shown no fear in taking a major grand final gamble by dropping strike-centre Brent Naden back to the bench and starting utility Tyrone May.

Cleary had promised to keep his grand final team changes close to his chest, but his secret is out with May expected be named in the starting line-up.

Naden failed to receive a minute of action when Cleary made the identical move in his team’s preliminary final win over South Sydney last weekend.

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Tyrone May gets the nod again over Brent Naden.

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May trained in the right-centre position when the Panthers completed their final prepositions at Panthers Stadium on Saturday.

The 24-year-old is likely to partner winger Brian To’o on the Penrith right-edge with the duo up against Storm centre Justin Olam and NSW Origin winger Josh Addo-Carr.