Canberra Raiders News

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary dropped consistent performer Paul Alamoti for Casey McLean ahead of Sunday's derby.

Fox League

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.

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The Raiders' strong start increases hype as Josh Papali'i nears a club record before facing the Roosters.

The Canberra Times

A stunning start to climb to second on the NRL ladder has turned the Green Machine into the Hype Machine.

And that hype's only going to build over the next two weeks as Canberra Raiders great Josh Papali'i draws level with and then hopefully goes past Jason Croker's club games record.

But is the hype affecting the Raiders ahead of their clash with the hot-and-cold Sydney Roosters at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday?

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