SAD NEWS: penrith panthers fans are very disappointed with Ivan Cleary  the head coach deu to…………

Penrith Panthers fans, a passionate and loyal group known for their unwavering support of the club, are facing a wave of disappointment and frustration with the current performance of the team under head coach Ivan Cleary. Once regarded as one of the most successful and respected coaches in the NRL, Cleary now finds himself at the center of intense scrutiny after a series of underwhelming results in the 2024 season. While the team’s challenges are multifaceted, it’s the perceived mismanagement, lack of tactical adjustments, and a failure to realize the full potential of the squad that has left the Panthers’ faithful upset and disillusioned.

### The Rise of Ivan Cleary and Penrith’s Glory Years

Ivan Cleary’s journey with the Penrith Panthers began in 2012, but it wasn’t until his return in 2019 that he began to cement his legacy. Under his leadership, Penrith went from a mid-tier team to the dominant force in the NRL. In 2021, Cleary led the Panthers to their first NRL Premiership since 2003, a feat that sent the Penrith faithful into euphoric celebration. The following year, Cleary’s men retained the title, becoming back-to-back premiers for the first time in the club’s history. His ability to foster a winning culture, develop young talent, and implement a defensive-minded game plan that was both disciplined and attacking, earned him admiration and respect.

Throughout his tenure, Cleary’s approach was methodical and focused on long-term success. The growth of key players like Nathan Cleary (his son), James Fisher-Harris, Brian To’o, Viliame Kikau, and others under his guidance was remarkable. His focus on youth development and squad depth created an environment in which Penrith had one of the most talented rosters in the league.

In 2023, Cleary and the Panthers came close to completing an unprecedented three-peat, falling short in the Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos. Despite the loss, the team had demonstrated an enviable consistency, and the coaching staff’s resilience was lauded.

However, just a year later, in 2024, cracks began to show in the Panthers’ armor, and it quickly became clear that not all was well within the camp.

### The Disappointment of 2024: An Inconsistent Season

The 2024 NRL season has been one of highs and lows for the Penrith Panthers. After a strong start to the campaign, expectations were once again high that the team could secure a third Premiership in four years. But as the season has unfolded, Penrith’s performance has been far from assured. What was once a feared juggernaut has looked vulnerable, and fans have begun to voice their growing concern about the direction the team is heading under Ivan Cleary.

Several factors have contributed to the current dissatisfaction among Penrith’s fanbase:

#### 1. **Tactical Stagnation:**

One of the key reasons for the frustration is the perceived tactical stagnation under Cleary. For years, Penrith’s playing style has been defined by their solid defense, controlled ball movement, and a high intensity approach. While these principles still form the core of their play, critics have pointed out that Cleary’s strategies have become too predictable, and the team has struggled to adapt to evolving game trends.

In 2024, teams have increasingly been able to counter Penrith’s structured play. Opponents have found ways to shut down the Panthers’ attack, which had been built around creative playmakers like Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai. The lack of new tactics or a plan B has led to Penrith falling behind in key matches, something fans are not accustomed to seeing from a team with such a strong pedigree.

Fans have been vocal in their disappointment at the perceived lack of innovation in Cleary’s coaching. Instead of making the necessary adjustments to deal with teams that have countered Penrith’s previous success, the Panthers have struggled to evolve their attacking game. Cleary’s failure to address these tactical deficiencies has left many questioning whether he still has the ability to adapt and lead the team in the modern era of rugby league.

#### 2. **Injury Crisis and Squad Management:**

Another reason for the rising frustration is the growing injury toll that has plagued the Panthers in 2024. While injuries are an inevitable part of any season, there is an underlying sense that the club’s squad management has been less effective in recent times. Key players, including Nathan Cleary, James Fisher-Harris, and others, have been sidelined at critical points in the season, affecting the team’s consistency and cohesion.

While Penrith’s depth was once a strong suit, the lack of effective squad rotation or proper injury management has been a sticking point. Some of the younger players, who were expected to step up in the absence of stars, have failed to make an impact, leaving the team looking thin in certain areas. Moreover, the team’s overall fitness has been questioned by some, with suggestions that they’ve been struggling to maintain peak performance throughout the long season.

The fans’ concern here is that Cleary, known for his ability to develop and manage a talented roster, has been unable to bring out the best in these players when the senior stars have been unavailable. The reliance on the same core players without adequate squad rotation or development of younger talent has hurt the team’s depth, leaving them exposed during crucial moments of the season.

#### 3. **Failure to Deliver in Big Matches:**

One of the key reasons for Penrith’s recent decline in fan sentiment is the team’s failure to deliver when it matters most. While they have been able to beat lower-ranked teams, they have struggled in key matchups against top-tier sides in 2024. The inability to perform under pressure in high-stakes games has left fans with a sense of unease.

Penrith’s loss to the Brisbane Broncos in the 2023 Grand Final was seen by many as a result of tactical shortcomings. In 2024, the team has again underperformed in critical games, including several close losses to teams like the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters, which has only amplified the concerns. The Panthers’ struggles to assert dominance in these key games have led some fans to question whether Cleary can still motivate and inspire the team when it counts.

#### 4. **The Decline of Key Players:**

While Ivan Cleary has been praised for his ability to develop young players, a worrying trend for the Panthers in 2024 has been the decline of some of their most important veterans. Players like Jarome Luai, who had been the heart and soul of Penrith’s attack, have not been able to replicate their previous form. While Luai has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and decision-making in key moments have come under intense scrutiny.

Additionally, veteran forward James Fisher-Harris, once considered one of the best props in the competition, has seen a drop in his level of performance this year. His physicality and leadership in the pack were once a hallmark of Penrith’s success, but this season, his struggles have been evident. Fans have also raised questions about Cleary’s failure to manage the physical toll on players like Fisher-Harris, who has been carrying injuries for most of the season.

The decline in form of key players is an issue that Cleary has struggled to address. Despite having the best intentions, the head coach has not been able to get the best out of these players, which has contributed to Penrith’s struggles on the field. Fans have expressed concern that Cleary’s inability to adapt to these changes is starting to affect the team’s overall performance.

#### 5. **The Impact of the Loss of Viliame Kikau:**

Another critical factor contributing to the team’s struggles has been the loss of star second-rower Viliame Kikau, who departed the club in 2023 to join the Canterbury Bulldogs. Kikau’s aggressive play style, physical presence, and try-scoring ability were central to Penrith’s success in the past, and his departure left a noticeable gap in the squad.

While Penrith has made some attempts to fill this void, the loss of a player of Kikau’s caliber has been felt throughout the season. The forwards have struggled to replicate his impact, and this has placed additional pressure on the backs and halves to produce more. Fans feel that Cleary has not adequately replaced the influence Kikau had on both defense and attack, and this gap is clearly visible in the team’s performances.

### Conclusion: A Call for Change?

As the season progresses, Penrith Panthers fans are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the leadership of Ivan Cleary. While Cleary’s achievements with the club in recent years cannot be overlooked, it’s the lack of innovation, the failure to adapt to challenges, and the team’s decline in key areas that have fans calling for change.

While some still stand behind Cleary, believing that he deserves time to work through the challenges, others are growing impatient. The calls for a change in direction, whether it be tactical adjustments or fresh leadership, are becoming louder with each passing game.

Penrith Panthers fans have known what it’s like to experience the highs of success, and their frustration stems from seeing a team with so much potential falter in 2024. Whether or not Ivan Cleary will be able to turn the tide remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the passion of the Panthers’ fanbase has not wavered, and they are demanding the best from their team — and their coach.

In the coming weeks, the pressure will only intensify, and Cleary’s ability to weather the storm will be tested as never before. For Penrith to return to its former glory, significant changes may be required —