After beating Queensland with a little help from their friends. the Penrith Panthers must now shift gear back to our Premiership surge.
Cleary has named all seven of his Origin representatives in the extended squad, but with the intensity of Origin combined with travel to and from Townsville, it’s hard to see them all playing just 48 hours later.
Penrith must continue to play the long game during this period, and the points they banked in the first half of the season will be super valuable in determining how the side manages the next few games. A Minor Premiership would be wonderful but we’ve been there, done that. It’s all about the big prize, hence managing workloads will be crucial.
I have no doubt no matter what 17 players turn out on Friday night, Penrith will put in a much-improved effort compared to last week. Combinations will click better, confidence will grow and the points will ultimately flow, especially with a few key players back. The almost-definite inclusion of Api Koroisau will be vital in ensuring each play gets off on the right foot, as things were too slow and clunky last week.
One thing Penrith would surely like to see is Viliame Kikau wake from his slumber. While oppositions are wary of the big unit and train to shut his powerful edge runs down, there’s no doubt he’s struggled to find that rampaging form that saw him become of the game’s household names.