Panthers surprised fans by resting key players, causing betting odds to shift dramatically.
Last week, the NRL community was abuzz following an exhilarating Friday night double-header that showcased thrilling and high-quality finals football. The Panthers and Raiders engaged in a nail-biting contest that went into golden point extra time, culminating in an extraordinary finish. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs, initially trailing against the Storm at halftime, mounted an impressive comeback and nearly snatched victory.
However, the Panthers had other plans. The first indication something was amiss arose on Monday when various gambling agencies noted unusual betting patterns on the Bulldogs at an opening price of $2.30. This price rapidly diminished as whispers spread about the Panthers intending to rest key players. By Tuesday afternoon, the odds plummeted to $1.08 following the announcement of the Panthers' squad, which featured 16 players not included in the previous week's line-up. The gambling agencies were caught off guard as information leaked throughout the rugby league community.
This decision to rest an entire team was not only unexpected but also a significant disappointment for the game and the countless fans who support it. Many Panthers supporters praised head coach Ivan Cleary for his strategic brilliance, reinforcing the idea that the club operated within its rights and broke no rules in prioritizing a grueling finals run ahead.