Ivan Cleary says being back involved in State of Origin could provide the lift his star players need

Penrith may be on the bottom of the ladder but still have five stars playing in State of Origin and it could have some added benefits.

The buzz of being back in the Origin arena could have a “flow-on effect” for a slew of Penrith stars involved and boost their chances of a last-placed Panthers revival in the second half of the season, according to coach Ivan Cleary.

All five Panthers involved in Wednesday night’s Origin opener for NSW in Brisbane have been named for Sunday’s clash against fellow cellar-dwellers Parramatta, Cleary now in a well-known waiting to game to see how they pull up.

Cleary said, barring injury, the likelihood of players including his superstar captain and son Nathan turning out on Sunday was increased given the Panthers had a bye before the players went into Origin camp.

NSW and Penrith teammates Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin have big roles to play for state and club. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Things don’t get easy for the Panthers, with games against the third-placed Warriors and ladder leaders the Bulldogs to come over the Origin period.

But four-time premiership coach Cleary is adamant ladder positions mean little in a tightly contested season, and fuelled by their Origin experience, there’s a chance for his team to surge.

“(This season is) about as even as I can remember and that’s what the game wants,” Cleary said on Wednesday.

“In that sense it also gives you a lot of hope that you can get a few and get yourself going.

“Put some weeks together, consistency, then you’re right back in the mix.”

“I really think that’s a real opportunity for us.

“I can only imagine there’d be nothing like it (Origin), just the energy and the build up, it would be pretty cool.

“I definitely hope there’s a flow-on effect for us after that.”

NSW captain Isaah Yeo is another Penrith star in Origin. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Cleary also knows with just three wins and a draw from 11 games, there’s not the same opportunities as in previous seasons for him to rest his Origin stars over the next month.

“There’s different circumstances, we had a bye before Origin so all those boys had a rest which we haven’t had before,” Cleary said.

“Each year brings new challenges depending on how you’re going, where the games are played, what day they’re on, all that kind of stuff.”

The Panthers this week return to their new “home” at CommBank Stadium, where they are yet to record a victory, in stark contrast to their fortress at Penrith that is being redeveloped.

Cleary conceded the move had been a factor in their performances this season.

“It seems like it by results, but it is what it is,” Cleary said.

“That’s (CommBank Stadium) our home ground and we play anywhere, anytime that’s in front of us.”

Originally published as Ivan Cleary says being back involved in State of Origin could provide the lift his star players need