Overview

• Multiple outlets report Nathan Cleary and several Panthers stars are expected to be rested on Thursday, with final selections to be confirmed at the official team announcement.
• A Canterbury win over Penrith would lock in a top‑four finish, a scenario viewed as more likely given Penrith’s plan to rotate key players.
• Bookmakers have sharply shortened the Bulldogs’ odds following the leak of Penrith’s intentions, with integrity officials aware of the market move.
• Penrith sit seventh on 31 points and are already guaranteed a top‑eight berth, reducing urgency to chase the top four as their finals home venue is CommBank Stadium during Penrith Stadium’s rebuild.
• Brad Schneider, Paul Alamoti and Matt Eisenhuth are possible call‑ups after being held out of NSW Cup, though the full list of omissions remains unconfirmed.