NSW hero Nathan Cleary will sit out Penrith's top-of-the-table clash with the Warriors as the Panthers look to open up a gap in the race for the NRL's minor premiership.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has opted to take a cautious approach, placing son Nathan, and fellow Blues State of Origin stars lock Isaah Yeo and winger Brian To'o on ice for Sunday's meeting with the Kiwi outfit at CommBank Stadium.
Nathan Cleary was named man of the match in the series opener in which NSW won 22-20, with Blues debutant Casey McLean the only Panther to back up following Wednesday's victory.
McLean has been named on the bench, rather than at centre.
Penrith have made a habit of winning in the week after an Origin fixture, boasting a 11-2 record since the 2021 season.