‘Unanimous’ player vote prompts full-strength Penrith as the Panthers chase premiership

Penrith players didn’t want to rest in the final round as they look to build valuable momentum heading into the finals.

A ‘unanimous’ player vote prompted the naming of a full-strength Penrith line-up as the Panthers chase premiership glory. Picture: Albert Perez / Getty Images

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary contemplated resting players in the final round, but a “unanimous” player vote convinced him to field his strongest team against Parramatta on Friday night.

Over 25 stars will sit out the last round of the season, including Eels big names Clint Gutherson, Junior Paulo and Mitch Moses.

It would be understood if the Panthers also rested players given they’ve had a top four position secured for weeks, but coach Cleary revealed his stars are keen to build valuable momentum heading into the finals.

“We consulted the leaders (about resting), and it was pretty unanimous that everyone wanted to have another game,” Cleary said.

“Our boys like playing footy, they like playing together and we haven’t had a chance to play together with this team for quite some time.

“Yesterday was the first time since round 14 or 15, so we are just looking forward to getting out there and representing the club.

“But our top four spot was sealed three weeks ago, so it was certainly a consideration.

“We also had plans to rest guys post Origin, but like anything there have been contingencies in place and since Origin most of our guys have missed games through either being rested or injuries.

“So we feel like at this point in time the best thing to do is keep on going and get our boys together and have another hit out.”

Penrith also wants to improve on its rusty win over the Wests Tigers last week to head into the 2021 finals with just four regular season losses in two seasons.

Parramatta’s Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses won’t play against Penrith on Friday night as they focus on the first week of the finals. Photo: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

Cleary isn’t surprised Parramatta opted to rest a host of star players and he expects the Eels to come out firing with an understrength team.

“It is not like it (resting players) is a usual thing to do these days and it hasn’t changed anything that we are doing,” he said.

“All it probably is going to do is give them (Parramatta) more enthusiasm.

“There are a couple of guys either making their debut or they haven’t played a lot of footy.

“It is such an exciting time for any young player and I’m sure they will give a good account of themselves, which is exactly what we are looking for.”

Originally published as ‘Unanimous’ player vote prompts full-strength Penrith as the Panthers chase premiership