The Melbourne Storm have unexpectedly cancelled Penrith Panthers' final pre-season trial, forcing the reigning premiers to head to Las Vegas without a hit-out.
The Melbourne Storm have unexpectedly disrupted the Penrith Panthers ' final pre-season preparations for their NRL season opener in Las Vegas . The Panthers were relying on a scrimmage against the North Sydney Bears, an NSW Cup side, this Saturday to give returning stars Nathan Cleary , Dylan Edwards , and Liam Martin some valuable game time before their trip to the US next Thursday.
However, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed the trial was canceled after several Bears players were called up by Melbourne for a trial in New Zealand this weekend. These include Morgan Harper, Ben Talty, Tui Katoa, and Nathaniel Roache. Cleary expressed disappointment at the situation, stating that the Bears were their preferred option for a quality scrimmage and that the change in plans meant the Panthers' squad, including key players like Cleary, Edwards, Martin, and Brian To'o, would enter the season opener against Cronulla at Allegiant Stadium on March 2 without any official trial match experience. This decision comes after the NRL failed to schedule Penrith in the Pre-season Challenge this weekend. As a result, the Panthers will now hold a trial against Manly a week on Friday, but this will occur while the majority of their squad is already in Las Vegas. While it is common for some senior players to skip pre-season games, several Panthers underwent off-season surgeries, and Cleary was eager to see his new No.6 in action. Blaize Talagi, Jack Cole, and Daine Laurie are among the contenders vying for the vacant No.6 jersey left by Jarome Laui. Despite the lack of a pre-season trial, Cleary expressed confidence in his son and Edwards taking on Cronulla without a hit-out, although he admitted he would have preferred Martin to have some minutes before the season opener. Meanwhile, the Sharks are planning to give most of their NRL players some game time in their trial against fellow Vegas-bound club Canberra on Thursday
NRL Penrith Panthers Melbourne Storm Pre-Season Trial Las Vegas Nathan Cleary Dylan Edwards
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