“Penrith Panthers have been decimated heading into round 12”: Calls for NRL competition to be suspended after Panthers dudded by State of Origin farce as growing concerns of.. Read more via link👇

Controversy is erupting across the NRL after the Penrith Panthers were left severely weakened ahead of Round 12, with multiple key players called up for State of Origin duty. The situation has reignited fierce debate, with fans, commentators, and even club officials calling for the NRL to consider suspending competition during the Origin period to preserve fairness.

 

The Panthers, reigning powerhouse of the league, have been “dudded,” as critics say, losing several top-tier stars including Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Brian To’o—leaving the squad stretched thin for a critical clash this weekend.

 

“This isn’t just a disadvantage; it’s an unfair playing field,” one analyst argued. “Teams like Penrith are punished for developing elite players.”

 

With concerns growing around player welfare, scheduling integrity, and the impact on club success, calls to pause the regular NRL season during Origin have gained traction. Supporters argue that continuing the league during the representative window dilutes the quality of club matchups and risks injuries for already overworked athletes.

 

The NRL has yet to issue an official response, but pressure is mounting for a long-overdue review of the competition calendar.