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FIFA World Cup 2026 poster'It would be stupid': Webster stands by decision not to play Origin stars vs Panthers
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • May 29th, 2026 3:40 pm
Andrew Webster is looking to stop the Dragons, who he called the NRL's "giant killers" | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
With the Warriors at the top of their game, this weekend's top-of-the-table clash against perennial contenders Penrith Panthers serves as the ultimate test.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster noted “we've played some really good football,” and hopes the side can again deliver another impressive performance on Sunday.
The teams currently sit first and second on the NRL ladder, with only two points separating them. Even if the Warriors are able to earn a win, the Panthers large point differential could keep them ahead.
Coach Ivan Cleary is keeping his selection options open, naming State of Origin stars Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Casey McLean to the reserves, while Webster has opted to rest his duo of Kurt Capewell and Mitch Barnett after Wednesday's series opener.
Even Nathan Cleary's hasn't played as many matches per season as Adam Reynolds | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Webster said he stands by the decision to exclude the veteran Aussie pairing.
“We don't have an Origin stand-down policy," he explained.
"If you're going to back them up, you’d back them up because they're already in Sydney. We play there on Sunday, so it'd be easy.
“But the thing for us is they haven't played a hell lot of football this year. They haven't got a lot of momentum, so to back them, I just thought it would be stupid.
“We wouldn't jeopardise their lack of football off the back of an Origin, what they put their bodies through and then to back up.”
However Webster acknowledged the pair were eager to play and remain disappointed to not be named.
“They weren't too happy about it but we just think it's best for them individually right now.”
NZ Warriors vs Panthers preview | Running It Straight
Webster insists he isn't concerned whichever way Ivan Cleary opts to go on game day.
“If you look over history, they've varied it (starting Origin players). Different times they have and different times they haven't. So we're not going to overcomplicate it.
“We're expecting every player to be available and we’ll see what happens.”
Webster said he is just looking forward to facing the side who has been the benchmark in recent seasons and won the Premiership for four consecutive years from 2021-2024.
“We're certainly excited to see where our game's at and test ourselves against a good side. We just want to play our best football.
“It is two points up for grabs at the end of the day, but it'd be nice to come off with a performance and against a good side.
“May we play our best football."
The Warriors haven’t beaten the Panthers since their upset win at Magic Round in 2024, where they prevailed 22-20 despite fielding a severely wounded side against a near full-strength Panthers outfit.
Star Warriors including Shaun Johnson, Tohu Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck were all ruled out, while Jackson Ford, Wayde Egan and Marcelo Montoya all also left the field for head injury assessments.
Jacob Laban and Taine Tuaupiki | Photo: Photosport
The injuries allowed opportunity for Taine Tuaupiki, Jacob Laban, Ali Leiataua and Te Maire Martin to step up and fill the void - all four have since become regular starters and are named in this weekend's squad.
Webster said he learned a lot from Cleary when he was part of the Penrith coaching team and is relishing the chance to lock horns wth his old mate this weekend.
“You learn off all the coaches you worked under, particularly Ivan, he was a mentor for me. I got to see how it was done right.
“I had two years out at Panthers when they were obviously winning, which was awesome but I also saw him at the Tigers and they were just trying to rebuild a club and have it built.”
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