EMERGENCY NEWS:Ivan Cleary: Panthers are still in ‘good space’ despite player exits as penrith panthers set for the departure of five key players….
Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has expressed confidence that the club remains in a strong position despite the impending departure of five key players. The Western Sydney powerhouse is set to lose a significant portion of their core squad, but Cleary believes that the Panthers are still well-positioned for success in the future.
The Panthers, who have been one of the most dominant teams in the NRL in recent years, are facing a period of change. Five influential players, including some who have been pivotal to the team’s recent success, are set to leave the club in the near future. While this marks the end of an era for Penrith, Cleary is adamant that the club’s culture, strong recruitment, and development pathways will ensure that they continue to perform at a high level.
“I think we’re in a really good space,” Cleary said. “You’re always going to have change in rugby league, particularly in the modern game with the salary cap and the pressure to build successful squads. We’ve had a lot of success over the past few seasons, but we understand that this is a part of the game. It’s not about just having the same players; it’s about how we prepare and build the next generation.”
The departures have raised concerns among some fans, who fear the loss of experienced players could negatively impact the team’s performance. However, Cleary remains unfazed, pointing to the club’s depth and strong development system as key factors that will ensure the Panthers maintain their competitive edge.
One of the most significant departures is expected to be that of halfback Nathan Cleary’s long-time partner, Jarome Luai. The dynamic five-eighth, who has been instrumental in Penrith’s success over the past few seasons, has reportedly attracted attention from rival clubs. His departure would mark a significant shake-up in the Panthers’ spine, but Cleary has already started to plan for life beyond Luai.
“We’ve got some young, talented players coming through, and we’re confident that they’ll be able to step up when needed,” Cleary added. “We’ve been working hard on our recruitment, and we have a few exciting players who are going to be great additions to the team in the coming years.”
The departures of key forwards and backs also pose challenges for Penrith’s depth. However, Cleary has emphasized that the Panthers have one of the most successful junior development systems in the league. With a clear pathway from the club’s under-20s and reserve-grade teams to the top squad, Cleary believes the next generation of players will seamlessly integrate into the first-grade side.
Penrith’s development program has been one of the most lauded aspects of the club’s rise to dominance. With a focus on nurturing local talent and giving young players the opportunity to prove themselves, the Panthers have consistently produced elite talent. This philosophy, combined with the club’s disciplined approach to recruitment, ensures that even with the departures of established players, Penrith will remain a force in the NRL.
Another factor working in the Panthers’ favor is their strong leadership core. Despite the departures of a few key figures, the club’s leadership group, which includes Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and James Fisher-Harris, remains intact. These players have been central to Penrith’s dominance in recent seasons and are expected to provide stability during this transitional phase.
The Panthers’ forward pack, widely regarded as one of the toughest in the competition, will also be key to their ongoing success. Cleary has highlighted that maintaining the physicality and defensive resilience of the pack will be crucial as the club adapts to life after the departure of several senior players.
The club is also working hard to ensure that the new arrivals will complement the existing squad. Cleary has been active in the recruitment market, securing promising young talents who are ready to make an impact. These signings, along with the club’s culture of excellence, mean that the Panthers are far from becoming a side in decline.
“We’ve got great resources, fantastic facilities, and a great coaching staff,” Cleary said. “The players who are leaving have been a massive part of our success, but we’re confident that we’ll keep moving forward and adapt to the challenges ahead.”
In conclusion, while the departure of five key players marks the end of a successful chapter for Penrith, Ivan Cleary is confident that the club’s strong foundation, both on and off the field, will ensure they continue to compete at the highest level. With a wealth of emerging talent and a proven ability to build successful teams, the Panthers’ future looks bright, even in the face of significant change.
