Warriors coach Andrew Webster has stood up for Ivan Cleary, insisting Penrith have every right to rest their first-choice NRL side – even if it could end up having a flow-on effect on his team’s hunt for a top-four finish.
Panthers coach Cleary drew criticism after he opted to put 16 of his NRL regulars on ice this week.
Cleary has named a side boasting just 398 games of first-grade experience combined, in what is the least-experienced teamlist in the NRL era.
Penrith’s significant reshuffle rocketed the Bulldogs into favouritism and turned up the pressure on the Warriors to ensure they win their final two games of the regular season to make the top four.
The Warriors sit fourth heading into the penultimate round of the campaign, two points behind the third-placed Bulldogs.
“I was in that situation before at the Panthers [as an assistant coach] and here in 2023 and you have the right to do it,” Webster said.
“If they feel that’s the best thing for them, then go for it, that’s fine.
“They have a right to pick who they pick and they don’t have to announce it until 4pm on Tuesday.
“I completely understand, they are allowed to do what they like.”
The Warriors are in the box seat to finish in the top four but Cronulla and Brisbane are just two points behind them and have a superior for and against record.
They finish their season against Parramatta at Go Media Stadium on Friday before a final-round trip to face Manly at Brookvale Oval.
“We’ve got two games to go, and if we earn a top-four spot then we have deserved it,” Webster said.
“We have played like a top-four side lots of times this year, but we still aren’t piecing our best football together right now.
“We’ve found ways to win and tough things out but we haven’t been clinical [enough].”
