In last year’s grand final, Penrith had Dylan Edwards, Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary in the all-important 1,6 and 7 jerseys. Tonight they have (let me check) Daine Laurie, Jack Cole and Trent Toelau. There is no way to sugar coat that one, it’s a massive dip in experience, and at this stage of their respective careers, class as players. In saying that, Cole did very well without Cleary in last week’s loss to Melbourne.
Penrith head into the match with a 1-2 record. A win tonight and the expected return of Nathan Cleary next week could mean all is well once again. A loss tonight will result in another narrative emerging.
