For Friday night’s Round 23 NRL clash against the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has implemented some notable changes to his roster. As the Panthers push toward finals football, Cleary is carefully managing his squad’s workload and addressing injuries, form, and strategic needs. These changes not only reflect his tactical acumen but also highlight the depth and resilience of the reigning premiers. With the match against the resurgent Knights looming, the selections Cleary has made offer insight into the club’s preparation for the business end of the season.

One of the most significant changes Cleary has made is resting co-captain Nathan Cleary. The star halfback has been instrumental in guiding the Panthers throughout the season, but the coach has opted to give him a breather, mindful of the rigorous demands of finals football. This decision comes after a taxing representative period that included State of Origin duties. While Nathan has shown his trademark composure and control across the season, Ivan Cleary is clearly taking a long-term view by preserving his star playmaker’s energy. This gives the Panthers an opportunity to test their depth and adaptability in the halves. Jack Cole steps in to partner Jarome Luai, providing the young playmaker a valuable opportunity to gain experience in a high-pressure setting.

Further back in the spine, fullback Dylan Edwards has also been given the week off. The dependable No.1 has been a cornerstone of the Panthers’ attack and defense, racking up impressive statistics and proving time and again that he’s among the best in the competition. With Edwards sitting out, Daine Laurie slots into the fullback role. Laurie has impressed in his return to Penrith and will be keen to make the most of this opportunity. His ability to chime into the backline and his evasive running game make him a dynamic replacement. Moreover, Laurie’s familiarity with the Panthers’ system ensures minimal disruption to the side’s structure.

Another notable inclusion is Zac Hosking, who returns to the starting second row. Hosking has been in and out of the side throughout the season due to both form and team balance, but his return provides additional grunt and work rate on the edge. With Liam Martin still being closely monitored for any niggles, Hosking’s role could become pivotal. His defensive reliability and line-running prowess offer the Panthers another dimension on the fringes. Scott Sorensen retains his place on the other edge, forming a robust forward pairing that will look to challenge the Knights’ edges.

In the middle, Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris continue to form one of the most formidable front-row partnerships in the league. Cleary has opted to stick with his powerful bookends, as they provide the platform for everything Penrith does with the ball. Their ability to win the ruck, dominate contact, and generate quick play-the-balls is vital to the Panthers’ game plan. Leota’s hard running and Fisher-Harris’ aggression are key ingredients in wearing down opposing packs. Mitch Kenny resumes his role at hooker, providing consistent service from dummy-half and solid defense around the ruck.

On the bench, there are a few interesting selections. Lindsay Smith and Spencer Leniu both maintain their spots, providing punch and energy when they come on. Leniu, in particular, has been a wrecking ball off the bench, known for his explosive carries and ability to turn momentum. With each passing week, he continues to develop his game and provides a crucial impact for the Panthers when the starting forwards take a break. The inclusion of Luke Garner adds versatility, as he can cover multiple positions in the back row and even shift into the centers if needed. The final bench spot has gone to Tyrone Peachey, who brings utility value and creativity. Peachey’s unpredictability can trouble tired defenses, and his ability to slot in across the backline or the middle gives Cleary greater flexibility with in-game tactics.

One of the more overlooked but vital aspects of Cleary’s selections is the trust he places in his squad players. By giving opportunities to fringe players, he’s not only rewarding strong performances in training and NSW Cup but also ensuring that the squad is battle-hardened for the finals. Injuries and suspensions are an ever-present risk in the NRL, and Cleary’s approach of rotating his side without compromising performance is a hallmark of the Panthers’ sustained excellence. It also builds morale and competition within the squad, driving standards higher across the board.

The Panthers’ outside backs remain largely unchanged, with Brian To’o and Sunia Turuva named on the wings. Both have been excellent throughout the year, combining strong yardage work with smart finishing. Turuva’s rise has been particularly impressive, stepping into the shoes of outgoing winger Charlie Staines and not missing a beat. In the centers, Stephen Crichton and Izack Tago continue to build their formidable partnership. Crichton’s impending move to the Bulldogs hasn’t distracted him from delivering high-quality performances, and Tago’s defensive reads and strike-running add potency to Penrith’s right side.

As the Panthers gear up for a tough encounter with the Knights, the roster changes suggest a careful balancing act between maintaining winning form and resting key players. The Knights have been one of the form teams of the competition in recent weeks, led by the electric form of Kalyn Ponga. Penrith will need to be at their defensive best to contain his influence. Ponga’s combination with Jackson Hastings and their revamped spine will test the Panthers’ defensive structures, particularly with a reshuffled backline and a new fullback.

Cleary’s decision to rest stars like Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards also signals confidence in his squad’s depth. It’s a statement that the system and culture Penrith has built can withstand personnel changes without a significant drop in performance. It’s also a nod to the long game   while winning each match is important, the Panthers are clearly planning for a deep finals run, and preserving their most influential players for the critical weeks ahead is a smart strategy.

It also provides the coaching staff with a valuable opportunity to experiment with combinations. Giving Jack Cole a crack in the halves against a strong opponent like Newcastle is a real test of his mettle and readiness for first-grade football. Similarly, Daine Laurie’s stint at fullback allows the team to assess his viability as a long-term option or a dependable backup. These insights are invaluable as the Panthers plan not just for this season but beyond.

There’s also an element of psychological warfare at play. By resting big names, the Panthers may encourage their opposition to underestimate them. However, given the professionalism and pedigree of the Newcastle outfit, that’s unlikely. The Knights have everything to play for as they chase a finals berth, and they’ll view this as an opportunity to test themselves against the benchmark side in the competition, regardless of the personnel changes.

Another layer to these changes is the leadership dynamics within the team. With Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards out, other players will need to step up in leadership roles. Isaah Yeo, the club’s captain and workhorse lock, remains central to this effort. His ability to organize the middle third, talk in defense, and lead by example will be crucial. Jarome Luai also takes on greater responsibility with the ball, guiding a less experienced halves partner around the park.

In the grand scheme, Ivan Cleary’s changes reflect a mature and strategic approach to squad management. Rather than chasing short-term wins, he’s investing in player welfare, development, and squad cohesion. The Panthers’ dominance in recent seasons has come not just from their star players, but from a holistic system that allows individuals to excel within a defined structure. Cleary’s coaching is not just about picking the best 17 every week – it’s about preparing a 30-man squad to win when it matters most.

Friday night’s clash is not only a litmus test for some of the Panthers’ younger and fringe players but also a gauge of how well the squad has internalized the team’s values and systems. It’s also a crucial opportunity to build momentum and fine-tune combinations ahead of the finals. For the Knights, this is a must-win to cement their spot in the top eight. For the Panthers, it’s about maintaining standards, building depth, and ensuring their stars are fresh and firing when the finals arrive.

IIvan Cleary’s roster decisions ahead of Round 23 reveal a blend of tactical foresight, trust in squad depth, and long-term planning. Resting stars like Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards might seem risky, especially against a side like the Knights, but it underscores a belief in the broader system and the players waiting in the wings. The Panthers have set the benchmark for sustained success in the NRL, and Friday night’s game will be another chapter in their 2025 campaign. Regardless of the result, the decisions made this week may pay dividends when the season reaches its defining moments in September.