Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has bristled at suggestions Tim Grant has no future at the club after axing the former representative prop from his side’s loss to Parramatta on Saturday.

Initially named in Cleary’s 17-man squad on Tuesday Grant was subsequently dropped in favour of Sika Manu, for the 32-16 loss to the Eels.

The local junior was left out by Cleary for the opening two games of the season but played off the bench in the win over Canterbury last week.

However, the return of Manu, a Cleary signing from Melbourne last year, following shoulder surgery, saw Grant dumped to NSW Cup where he’s set to play against Wentworthville on Sunday.

It would be a stunning fall from grace for Grant who two years ago put Petero Civoniceva on his back with his first State of Origin hit-up for NSW.

Asked when he decided to play Manu, Cleary claimed after the game he “couldn’t remember” and when pressed on whether Grant had a future at the club, he curtly responded: “of course … and I don’t have to justify team selection.”

Grant’s situation is sure to alert other clubs with players still available to be signed mid-season until June 30.

Cleary and Grant were at loggerheads last season when he was dropped to the bench early in the season and the coach has shown he’s not afraid to ship out big-name players.

Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Michael Gordon were all offloaded by the former Warriors coach and Grant could find himself the next player heading through the exit door if he spends an extended period on the sidelines.

Cleary was also in no mood to explain his side’s poor second half display at Parramatta Stadium which marred a solid start to the season that’s seen wins over Canterbury and Newcastle and a narrow loss to Melbourne.

“It was one of those nights where we were off the pace with most things,” he said.

“They had the edge in lots of little things tonight.”