Phil Gould has launched a scathing critique of the NRL’s scheduling after Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary revealed his Origin stars would be unavailable for this week’s crucial clash against the New Zealand Warriors due to travel constraints.
The Panthers, who defeated the Tigers over the weekend, are being forced to rest their representative players for Saturday’s game in Auckland, just three days after Game 2 of the State of Origin series, which takes place in Perth.
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The logistics of travelling from Western Australia to New Zealand in time for the match have proven unfeasible.
“The Origin players won’t be playing because they can’t,” Cleary stated. “We just can’t get them there.”
The scheduling blunder leaves the reigning premiers severely undermanned, with a five-day turnaround compounding the issue ahead of a Round 17 clash against the Bulldogs next Thursday. While Cleary may have still opted to rest some stars, he expressed frustration at not being given the choice to decide based on player recovery and performance strategy.
Former Panthers general manager Phil Gould echoed those sentiments on his podcast Six Tackles with Gus, saying he would be “blowing up deluxe” if he were still involved at the club.
“It’s terrible,” Gould said. “You’ve got players involved in Origin on a Wednesday night in Perth and then they’re expected to back up in New Zealand on Friday. That’s just ridiculous. The Panthers are in a tight battle for the top eight—this could really hurt them.”
Gould questioned the NRL’s priorities, warning the league was “shooting the product in the foot” by depriving clubs and fans of watching star players.
Penrith have already struggled without their Origin contingent this season, notably suffering a 25-6 loss to Newcastle. This week’s match against a red-hot Warriors side looms as a critical test for the depth and character of the squad.
Star forward Isaiah Papali’i described the challenge as “massive” and called on senior players to guide the next generation.
“This tests the culture of the club,” Papali’i said. “It’s a good opportunity for the younger boys, but we have to step up as leaders.”
Front-rower Moses Leota echoed that sentiment, adding the team is determined to correct the defensive lapses seen in previous matches without their Origin stars.
“We weren’t defending well last time,” Leota said. “Hopefully this time we can build something better and lead the young boys through.”
Despite being hampered by a controversial schedule, the Panthers remain determined to rise to the occasion and keep their finals hopes alive.
