All NRL Games [Round 26, 2025]

[Brookie1973]

In view of the big bucks being paid by broadcasters I would have expected that the clubs would be under a contractual obligation to the NRL to field their best possible team bar injuries week in and week out.

I thought there used to be a rule around all this, but I may be mistaken. Years ago.

 

[danny-boy]

I thought there used to be a rule around all this, but I may be mistaken. Years ago.

There was I remember it too.

 

[LeonardCohen]

And if they win 5 straight premierships, it will be a master call.
If my team had won 4 in a row, they could do whatever they want.
Not a good look for the game, really!!...AFL have a whole week off before the finals with no games. NRL still get their TV money and thats all they are worried about. Betting agencies still take bets and thats all they are worried about. Go Panthers, I hope teh young guns smash the Doggies.
Would show Seibold what is achievable, if you try and give others a go.

The AFL comparison you’ve made, makes no sense. If they all have a week off, there’s no ‘bad look’ because there’s nothing to look at?!

The issue is that there’s a fixture and because of the team list, less and less people are going to compelled to watch the game. For a game that is essentially entertainment, it’s not very entertaining. On top of that, Cleary is essentially ‘tanking’ the game. He’s telling the NRL community that he’s OK with losing this game…weird.

 

[mickqld]

All 17 of last weeks Panthers team not playing.

What a stitch up

How is this allowed. They've picked players from outside their top 30 roster. Surely they must prove legitimate injuries in order to pick those players. The nrl is just a fu*king joke. Imagine if Penrith were playing the rorters or phins this weekend.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

How is this allowed. They've picked players from outside their top 30 roster. Surely they must prove legitimate injuries in order to pick those players. The nrl is just a fu*king joke. Imagine if Penrith were playing the rorters or phins this weekend.

There’s rules for some and normal rules for the rest

 

[Frogz]

The AFL comparison you’ve made, makes no sense. If they all have a week off, there’s no ‘bad look’ because there’s nothing to look at?!

The issue is that there’s a fixture and because of the team list, less and less people are going to compelled to watch the game. For a game that is essentially entertainment, it’s not very entertaining. On top of that, Cleary is essentially ‘tanking’ the game. He’s telling the NRL community that he’s OK with losing this game…weird.

The AFL reference is, that if the NRL had a weeks break before semis, Panthers wouldn't do a freshen up in the second last round of the year. Not the NRL, gotta put footy on at all cost. Then Chanel 9 pick Dolphins v Titans on a 4pm Sunday, thats not very entertaining. Go Panthers this week

 

[Frogz]

Not saying it’s not a good move by the panthers, just that the NRL shouldn’t be allowing teams to take the piss. Not sure what the AFL example has to do with it.

The AFL reference is, that if the NRL had a weeks break before semis, Panthers wouldn't do a freshen up in the second last round of the year. Not the NRL, gotta put footy on at all cost. Then Chanel 9 pick Dolphins v Titans on a 4pm Sunday, thats not very entertaining. Go Panthers this week

 

[ManlyTragic]

The only argument I have to the situation is if Manly were in the same position(yes,I know it’s a stretch in the current climate)would us fans be happy they’re being rested?Other than that,I don’t think it’s a good look for the game

…. Now that is one huge hypothetical!

Just sayin’

 

[The '47ers]

Panthers will roll out the fatigue/welfare line and the NRL won't say a thing.

But, of course, currently they are well within their rights to do as they please and I think it's a good idea.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I think I'm changing my view on this. Rest as many as you want in any game you want. The final rounds will become non-serious, more like early prep for next year, but that's the result of finals spots being secured in advance. Similar to some dud games during SOO period.

Will give more scope for betting crimes no doubt but there's plenty of that already.

Teams that finished high have the privilege. Did every team have the same chance to finish high, no because the draw is not even. Very little about NRL is even.

In Panthers case I just realised they're giving up a chance at a home final, but their Penrith stadium is unavailable anyway, may have influenced their decision.

Storm resting players means Manly will likely be knocked out by Chooks, who otherwise would struggle to beat Storm. But that's part of the reason we tried to win more games!! Weren't quite good enough 😡

 

[Cliffycomeback]

The AFL comparison you’ve made, makes no sense. If they all have a week off, there’s no ‘bad look’ because there’s nothing to look at?!

The issue is that there’s a fixture and because of the team list, less and less people are going to compelled to watch the game. For a game that is essentially entertainment, it’s not very entertaining. On top of that, Cleary is essentially ‘tanking’ the game. He’s telling the NRL community that he’s OK with losing this game…weird.

I think it is makes perfect sense Leonard. The Panthers have definitely got the squad to win another premiership. They are all healthy but look fatigued after playing sudden death footy for three months. Top four is gone. They don't have any incentive to get a home final because they haven't played a home game all year. Many of the squad have played finals and rep football for five years. A freshen up over the next couple of weeks will see them enter the finals in peak condition knowing they need to win four in a row.

 

[Cliffycomeback]

How is this allowed. They've picked players from outside their top 30 roster. Surely they must prove legitimate injuries in order to pick those players. The nrl is just a fu*king joke. Imagine if Penrith were playing the rorters or phins this weekend.

Supplementary players are allowed to be picked after round thirteen. Matt Lodge says hi.

 

[Cliffycomeback]

There’s rules for some and normal rules for the rest

No rules have been broken. That's a fact not an opinion.

 

[Cochrane]

If silvertails had our way here, how many players would we demote this or next weekend and bring in some young guys who hadn't got a start or year, "to give them 1st grade experience'.

I'd say 75% of the squad

 

[LeonardCohen]

The AFL reference is, that if the NRL had a weeks break before semis, Panthers wouldn't do a freshen up in the second last round of the year. Not the NRL, gotta put footy on at all cost.

When you explain it like that, I take your point and agree 👍

 

[LeonardCohen]

I think it is makes perfect sense Leonard. The Panthers have definitely got the squad to win another premiership. They are all healthy but look fatigued after playing sudden death footy for three months. Top four is gone. They don't have any incentive to get a home final because they haven't played a home game all year. Many of the squad have played finals and rep football for five years. A freshen up over the next couple of weeks will see them enter the finals in peak condition knowing they need to win four in a row.

I knew why they were doing it…that wasn’t the discussion. It was the AFL comparison ‘that didn’t make perfect sense’ because it’s comparing apples and oranges in terms of what’s a good look and what’s not. I have no issue with the NRL adopting a similar approach and having a week’s break; I just believe Ivan’s team list is not a good look. It’s turned that genuine ‘round’ game into a trial game. Whether it’s the right thing to do or not for Penrith to be successful, does not form any part of my appraisal.

 

[Brookie1973]

I just hope it plays out that the panthers would have made top 4 with two wins.

 

[greg]

I think I'm changing my view on this. Rest as many as you want in any game you want. The final rounds will become non-serious, more like early prep for next year, but that's the result of finals spots being secured in advance. Similar to some dud games during SOO period.

Will give more scope for betting crimes no doubt but there's plenty of that already.

Teams that finished high have the privilege. Did every team have the same chance to finish high, no because the draw is not even. Very little about NRL is even.

In Panthers case I just realised they're giving up a chance at a home final, but their Penrith stadium is unavailable anyway, may have influenced their decision.

Storm resting players means Manly will likely be knocked out by Chooks, who otherwise would struggle to beat Storm. But that's part of the reason we tried to win more games!! Weren't quite good enough 😡

 

[The Who]

No rules have been broken. That's a fact not an opinion.

It's not Penrith that we are critical of. It's the NRL rules that allow it to happen.