Ivan Cleary Addresses Concerns Over Potential Player Exodus
Ivan Cleary has taken the opportunity to reassure Penrith Panthers fans that the club is well-prepared for any potential departures of key players. The concern stems from the recent move of Jarome Luai to PNG, which has sparked fears that other high-profile players might follow suit.
The prospect of PNG as a new franchise in rugby league has already attracted attention, with top talent potentially drawn to the region. While the Tigers have already secured the services of Terrell and Taylan May for another three years, there are several players coming off contract at both Wests and Penrith. This includes the Panthers’ captain, Isaah Yeo, who has openly admitted he would be foolish not to explore the open market. Yeo will be free to do so on November 1, just like Nathan Cleary, who has expressed interest in what free agency could offer. Other players such as Brian To’o, Liam Martin, and Mitch Kenny are also in similar situations.
Cleary highlighted that Penrith is in a better position compared to the Tigers when it comes to managing off-contract stars. Unlike Luai, who was able to talk to PNG before November 1 due to his contract terms, all of Penrith’s players must wait six months before they can test the open market. “I feel like it’s lucky we’ve got six months because we’ll probably need it,” said the coach. “It’s not easy when you look at the list and go, ‘we want all of them’. We’ll just start chipping away at it. We’ve got a couple of guys that are off contract this year that are probably the bigger priority. It’s a long process where there’s lots of people involved.”
Cleary also reflected on the club’s history of maintaining success despite losing big-name players. He mentioned past departures such as Luai, Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Api Koroisau, and James Fisher-Harris. When asked about concerns over players following Luai to the Chiefs, Cleary responded confidently: “Not really, no. We’re comfortable with what we’ve built here at Panthers. We’ve lost players that we’ve wanted to keep for many, many years. It’s sort of just part of what happens when you’re successful. It’ll work itself out, I’m really confident about that.”
Potential Halfback Partner for Luai Emerges
As the focus shifts to the future of the Panthers, discussions have also turned to the ideal halfback partner for Luai at the Chiefs. Jack de Belin, a PNG international, has suggested Lachlan Lam as a strong candidate for the role.
Lam, who has played 31 games in the NRL for the Roosters, has since found his footing in the Super League with Leigh Leopards. The playmaker has also represented PNG in 14 Test matches. De Belin praised Lam’s abilities, stating: “Lachie Lam, he could be the best signing as well because he’s a gun if you watch him over in the Super League. I reckon he’s one of the best halves I’ve played with. So I think he’d be a great signing. Every time I play with him in the Kumuls he’s a gun.”
