Ivan Cleary has openly admitted that the Penrith Panthers’ performance against the South Sydney Rabbitohs was one of the most disjointed and “comical” halves of football he can remember. After a 56-12 hammering at the hands of Souths, the Panthers coach was quick to shoulder the responsibility for the team’s third consecutive loss, acknowledging that something had clearly gone wrong on his watch.
The Panthers’ defeat to the Rabbitohs was far from just a poor half of footy; it was an entire 80 minutes of frustration for Penrith fans and players alike. The team, which has been a dominant force in the NRL for the past few seasons, looked like a shadow of its former self. Errors, missed tackles, poor discipline, and a lack of cohesion left Cleary and the rest of the coaching staff stunned. The loss raised significant concerns, as it highlighted just how far the Panthers have fallen from their previously exceptional standards.
Cleary didn’t mince words in his assessment of the performance. “I can’t remember the last time we played a half of football like that. It was just comical,” Cleary remarked post-match. “There were uncharacteristic errors, missed opportunities, and things we just don’t do as a team.” The coach was clearly frustrated with the lack of execution and discipline, but what stood out most was his willingness to take full responsibility for the team’s form.
“We can’t just blame the players. It’s on me,” Cleary admitted. “As a coach, I have to take ownership of where the team is right now. It’s up to me to get things back on track.” This acknowledgment of his role in the team’s struggles is not one that is often heard from coaches, but it speaks to Cleary’s humility and accountability.
The loss to Souths marks the Panthers’ third straight defeat, following a loss to the Melbourne Storm and another to the Sydney Roosters. While some may have expected Penrith to bounce back stronger after each loss, their form has remained inconsistent and worrying. For a team with such high expectations, this run of poor results is uncharacteristic and unsettling.
Cleary’s admission that he is shouldering the blame is a rare and commendable gesture in the competitive world of professional rugby league. It shows a level of self-reflection and maturity that is essential for any coach under pressure. However, while Cleary may have taken responsibility, the reality is that the Panthers’ performance is a collective issue, not just a coaching one.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will need to regroup quickly if they want to turn their season around. Cleary will likely need to make some tough decisions in terms of team selections and tactics to address the glaring issues that have led to these heavy losses. The team will also need to rediscover the confidence and self-belief that propelled them to consecutive premierships.
For Cleary, the challenge is clear: he must lead the Panthers out of this slump and get them back to the level of play that fans have come to expect. While he’s taken the blame for the current situation, it’s clear that the players and the coaching staff need to work together to restore Penrith to their rightful place as one of the NRL’s top teams. Only time will tell if Cleary can steer his team out of this rough patch, but one thing is for sure: his leadership will be pivotal in shaping the outcome.