Ivan Cleary says Penrith's woeful start to the NRL season shouldn't cost James Maloney and Nathan Cleary their NSW Origin jumpers.
Maloney's claim to retain his Blues spot appears all but dead and buried after their 30-4 flogging to the Wests Tigers, and the compelling form of Luke Keary and Cody Walker.
Cleary, 21, is in danger of losing his position after just one season as the Panthers slumped to 2-7.
Should Blues coach Brad Fittler makes changes, it would mean NSW would field their 21st halves pairing since 2006.
But coach Cleary said his son and Maloney weren't to blame for their side's woes and they could flick the switch and bounce back into form if thrown into the Origin cauldron.
"They've been there before, they've done the job before," Cleary said.
"I think it would be extremely harsh to lump our position on those two guys.
"One thing we have to remember Nathan is only 21-years-old, he's only played 60-odd games.
"There's bigger problems than our two halves, but they will probably admit they can play better."
The Panthers face a tough clash with the Warriors and a western Sydney showdown against Parramatta over the next fortnight before Origin teams are picked.
Cleary dropped centre Waqa Blake for disciplinary reasons against the Tigers and replacement Tyrell Fuimaono struggled after being targeted by Michael Maguire's side.
They also lost lock Hame Sele (back) during their captain's run, while Isaah Yeo (shoulder) was already in the rehab ward.
Viliame Kikau was expected to spend the next several weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury but was cleared to play.
The giant Fijian did come off with 14 minutes remaining but Cleary said it was precautionary.
It leaves Cleary little room to make changes next week but he promised some form of a shake-up.
"We're going to have to change something. Whether it's personnel or something else.
"To keep doing what we're doing, it's not good enough.
"It's not for me to give answers now, we need to discuss this with players and staff over the next 24 hours."
Cleary questioned his side's effort and execution after their fifth straight loss.
Asked what he would say to the Panthers' supporters who made the trip from western Sydney to Brisbane for Magic Round, Cleary offered: "Keep the faith".
