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Live sport on SN this weekendWebster outlines Warriors' blueprint to stop Panthers
Sport Nation •  August 6th, 2026 1:49 pm
Andrew Webster | Photo: Photosport
Warriors coach Andrew Webster believes the key to toppling the perennial title contending Panthers isn't simply shutting down Nathan Cleary, but winning the battle for field position and denying them the momentum they thrive on.
Ahead of Friday night's blockbuster at Go Media Stadium, Webster said every elite playmaker becomes more dangerous when their side is rolling forward, making it crucial for the Warriors to dominate the middle and keep Penrith on the back foot.
"Like every great halfback, when things aren't going well they can still play off the back foot," Webster told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
"But even the great halfbacks want momentum. They want their back five to get metres, they want their forward pack to go after ours. They want to play in situations they want.
"Our best chance of shutting him down is making sure we put them under pressure so he's got less opportunities to play, and we don't give them too many chances."
Warriors vs Panthers Preview, Round 23 | Running It Straight
The Warriors pushed the Panthers to the limit in their one match to date this season, falling 20-18 at Commbank Stadium - albeit in a contest with both the hosts' superstar half and Isaah Yeo absent on State of Origin.
While Cleary will inevitably be a focal point, Webster said his side couldn't afford to become consumed by the Panthers' superstar No. 7 .
"The ball's going where he is most of the time, so we can make sure we've got that covered and certainly don't do anything outside of our system.
"If we're focused all week on everything he can do rather than focusing on what we can do, we're going into the game with the wrong mindset."
The Warriors head into the clash fresh off a 42-6 demolition of the Gold Coast Titans, a response Webster said was fuelled by pride following their disappointing loss to the Bulldogs.
He believes the formula against Penrith is no different.
"Our edge this weekend is being ourselves. When we play our best football, we're carrying the ball hard, putting teams under pressure and when we see an opportunity, we take it. I think that's our best opportunity this weekend."
Listen to the full interview below:
