Expect to see some changes to the NRL’s heavyweight sides in the next to weeks – that’s according to premiership-winning fullback Billy Slater.

With the top four settled headed into the playoffs, Slater told 2GB that the coming weeks would see the game’s premier sides altering their training patterns and resting players.

“You’ve got to build it in about three phases… it’s physical, so you’re timing your run physically… then … you’ve got to be mentally fresh, but also you’ve got to be playing your best football,” Slater said.

“Usually teams, about a month before the finals – rest players, you can up the workload at training; you can do a few little things so when you get to that finals campaign, you’re cherry-ripe.”

The most interesting selection decisions may come in the dead rubber game between 2nd placed Penrith and bitter rivals – Wests Tigers.

Panthers fans have long memories and have had this match circled since Wests Tigers put a score on a depleted Penrith at Leichhardt earlier in the year.

Nathan Cleary is back from injury and needs game time but others may be rested for the Sunday afternoon game.