Overview

• Ivan Cleary confirmed mass changes with 16 players rested from last week’s side, leaving Brad Schneider as the lone carry-over and installing Matt Eisenhuth as captain.
• Nathan Cleary said he would not play on Thursday, as Penrith locked in a largely second-string lineup that includes NRL debuts for Zac Lipowicz, John Fonua, David Fale and Billy Phillips.
• The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating a betting plunge on Canterbury following early leaks of Penrith’s selection plans, with bookmakers listing the Bulldogs at about $1.10 and the Panthers near $8 after teams were named.
• Penrith have already secured a finals berth and can finish no lower than eighth, while a Bulldogs victory would secure a top-four spot.
• Commentary has questioned whether Cleary may be managing an injury, though the club has framed the decision as rest to freshen players for the finals.