Panthers not taking Broncos lightly

PENRITH intend on hitting the National Rugby League (NRL) finals in form, with coach Ivan Cleary resisting the urge to put his players on ice for tonight’s clash with the Broncos (7.50pm kick-off).
The Panthers are the only side assured of a top-four spot and would need an absolute calamity to miss out on a home final after winning their last 11 straight.
They remain three points clear of Melbourne at the top, meaning wins in the next three games will secure only the club’s third minor premiership.
After Brisbane tonight, they host Parramatta next Friday before facing the lowly-ranked North Queensland and Canterbury in the run to the finals.
But Cleary said he had not yet considered resting fully-fit players, insisting the best way to do that so far had been in training.
“We’re just focused on making sure we seal certain spots in the finals before we worry too much about that stuff,” Cleary said.
“A lot of the guys aren’t looking too tired. Our performance staff have done a good job managing the workload and training.
“When you’re winning there aren’t many blokes who want to rest. So that’s good news.”
The jury has previously been out on the decision to sit stars out of matches, with the risk of stopping momentum just before the finals.
However, this season presents a different challenge, with players asked to go through 18 straight weeks of football without byes or rep rounds before the finals. James Tamou and James Fisher-Harris are one of just two front-row combinations across the NRL to start in every game this year.
Fellow middle Isaah Yeo has also started in every match, with Cleary only expecting him to miss the one through a concussion against Brisbane.
“He’s pulled up fine after the (head knock against Wests Tigers),” Cleary said.
“With a five-day turnaround, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have had enough time to pass protocols. We decided after if we were going to rest someone now was the time. We will definitely welcome him back next week provided he passes all the protocols.”
Forward Moses Leota, centre Stephen Crichton and young five-eighth Jarome Luai are the others to have gone through the year without a rest. Meanwhile, Apisai Koroisau is on track to beat a calf injury to face Brisbane, but Cleary says no risk will be taken to rush him back early. – AAP