Ivan Cleary says star fullback Dylan Edwards will have more fire in his belly after his NSW axing, naming his State of Origin stars for the top-of-the-table clash with the Warriors.
Edwards has been sensational for the Panthers in their surge to the top of the table and is in better form than he was last year when chosen as Blues fullback.
NSW coach Laurie Daley had to choose between two custodians at the top of their games, but elected to recall James Tedesco for the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night.
Four-time premiership winner Edwards is averaging 221m per game, has the best defensive record of his career and seven try assists in 11 games in 2026 to drive the Panthers to first position.
"It is a contentious selection and obviously a close one," the Panthers coach said of Edwards' omission.
"Dyl has been playing awesome. Everyone knows that so I guess it gives him a little bit more fire.
"That would be good, but if he just keeps playing the way he is I will be happy."
Cleary was delighted strike centre Casey McLean was named on NSW's extended bench for a possible debut.
"Casey has come on leaps and bounds," Cleary said.
"He has started this year strongly again. He has certainly earned his spot in that team and I am looking forward to what role he plays."
Cleary has rested his Origin guns in the past for the following club game but has named this year's NSW quartet for the Warriors showdown in Parramatta on an extended 24-man bench.
'This week is a little different. The game is in Sydney and we have got a Sunday night game so it is probably the best chance (for the Origins stars) to back up," coach Ivan Cleary said.
"Sometimes you are given little or no chance.
"As usual we will have a bunch of different plans. The (Origin) game will be played on Wednesday and we will work out what we are going to do after that."
Last year Cleary did rest his Origin players and they had a stunning 28-18 away win over the Warriors amid a nine-game winning streak that ultimately took them to the preliminary final.
Cleary, who coached the Warriors to the 2011 grand final after previously playing for them, said he expected a cracking match against his former club.
"They have been super consistent and have a lot of players in good form. They do the basics well," Cleary said.
"They are playing well. It's exciting."
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