Panthers coach Ivan Cleary dropped consistent performer Paul Alamoti for Casey McLean ahead of Sunday's derby.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has addressed the decision to drop Paul Alamoti ahead of Sunday's Western Sydney derby against Parramatta.
While it would make sense to keep McLean in the team if Penrith was looking towards the future, the fact Cleary has named all his Origin players to back up suggests he is instead simply looking to name the best possible 17.
Alamoti has been one of Penrith's more consistent performers this season, with his yardage carries particularly valuable when Brian To'o was out injured while he has also been a reliable finisher on the wing.
However, in a big call, Cleary decided to dump Alamoti to the reserves and retain youngster Casey McLean, who has shown flashes in attack but has been guilty of holding onto the ball too often instead of passing to open wingers.