The way I see it, Penrith would be looking to win one of their next two games ahead of their third bye of the season in a fortnight’s time.
And it would appear Ivan Cleary, perhaps by force more than anything else, is putting all his eggs in the basket of the second of those two games, against Canterbury next Thursday night.
Saturday’s game against the Warriors is so poorly scheduled that even if Penrith’s Origin players wanted to back up, it would be almost impossible given the travel involved from Perth to Auckland and the short turn-around.
So instead Cleary will keep them at home, rested for what is sure to be one of the games of the season against the Bulldogs. David versus Goliath almost, as the four-time champions go up against a team on the rise that is daring to dream in 2025.
That does not mean you simply give up on this game against the Warriors, even though it would appear the odds are stacked against Penrith.
With so many players out, it is no surprise that the bookies have the Warriors as short-priced favourites to continue their solid form this season and produce another big win at home.
But 2025 has proven perhaps more than any other season that anything can happen in 80 minutes of football. And this bunch of young Panthers that has been called up a few times this year has rarely been embarrassed – in fact they will only get better each time they are called upon.
The obvious interest this Saturday is in the forward battle.
James Fisher-Harris after a slow start to the year has found some form and comes up against his old mate in Moses Leota, who would relish the opportunity to play against his former front row partner.
Penrith winning the forward battle is their only chance of causing a boilover here.
When you’ve got Luke Metcalf in career-best form in the halves and the likes of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in your backline, the Warriors will make you pay if they’re given too many attacking opportunities close to the line.
Penrith’s game plan must be about field position. If they can control the momentum of the contest and get on top in the forwards early, the match may just settle in to a slug fest as the 80 minutes roll on.
But if Penrith’s poor discipline rears its head again (something that the side hasn’t really corrected despite some better recent performances), then there is no question the Warriors will make them pay.
As daunting as that Warriors team looks on paper, there’s still plenty to like about Penrith.
Tom Jenkins is in terrific form on the wing, while Daine Laurie gets another shot at fullback and you just feel there’s a big game in him somewhere.
Brad Schneider is playing for a contract and has the opportunity to impress in the number seven jumper, while Luron Patea offers plenty of impact off the bench.
Mitch Kenny again captains the side and his leadership has only grown this year.
Penrith are definitely facing an uphill battle here. They haven’t quite put the white flag up but coach Cleary has identified for some time that this game was not one you’d put your house on.
Enjoy the game – I think the Warriors will be too strong, but the heart still finds room for a Panther win somehow, some way.
Tip: Warriors by 10.
The Panthers and Warriors play on Saturday, June 21 from 3pm at Go Media Stadium. The game is live on Fox Sports and Kayo.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.