Ivan Cleary has often lived by the coaching philosophy that expectations only come because people have been given reason to believe.
“He’s always instilled that in me,” son Nathan told AAP.
Well, the people of Penrith have been given plenty of reasons to believe in 2019.
Not only are the Panthers coming off three straight semi-final exits, but Cleary’s controversial return to the club has further added pressure to find success.
Cleary had almost completed the first year of a three-year deal at the Wests Tigers when Anthony Griffin was sensationally sacked by the Panthers on the eve of last year’s finals.
Cleary was immediately linked to the role, and, despite his initial denials, three months later was re-united with son Nathan on mammoth five-year deals.
Widely regarded as one of the best men to lead a club rebuild, the onus is now on Cleary senior to put the finishing touches on a house he helped construct in 2012.
“I think he’s ready,” Nathan said.
“The way he’s started, all the boys are really buying into the system. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
One hurdle the Panthers won’t have to overcome is contract uncertainty.
Whether it is to the club’s detriment or benefit, dummy-half pairing Sione Katoa and Wayde Egan are the only members of their likely top 17 unsigned next year.
And while contract situations often change in rugby league, it is in stark contrast to last year when Cleary junior was one of a handful of big-names off-contract.
“It helps a tonne,” Nathan said.
“I know it myself. Last year was a whirlwind with all the speculation around and different things getting written here and there.
“I was 100 per cent happy to lock myself in, and I think all the other boys are the same. We all want the same end goal to win a premiership together one day.
“We’ve got a really good thing going here. I think 80 per cent of the team are Penrith juniors. We’ve all grown up there. We just want to give back.”
However that doesn’t mean the club is without its off-field dramas.
A ball had yet to be kicked and youngster Tyrone May was stood down under the code’s no-fault policy after being arrested for his role in a sex-tape scandal.
A chance of playing the critical bench utility role this year, May will instead be defending two charges of recording and disseminating image without consent.
May was meant to be one of a number of juniors the club is relying on this year after Trent Merrin, Tyrone Peachey and Corey Harawira-Naera all departed.
Only fringe players Tim Grant, Hame Sele, Tyrell Fuimaono and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak have joined the club.
That leaves a representative core of Cleary, James Maloney, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and James Tamou to lead their title push.
“It’s definitely time now,” Nathan said.
“We’ve been in the finals the last three years and just been knocked out in the second week every time. We obviously want to improve on that.
“It’s a good year to do it.”
PANTHERS
Finishes over the past three seasons: 2018 – 5th, 2017 – 7th, 2016 – 6th
Coach: Ivan Cleary.
Captains: Josh Mansour, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, James Maloney, Nathan Cleary, James Tamou, Isaah Yeo.
Key gains: Tyrell Fuimaono (Rabbitohs), Tim Grant, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Wests Tigers), Hame Sele (Dragons).
Key losses: Tim Browne, Peter Wallace (retired), Christian Crichton, Corey Harawira-Naera (Bulldogs), Trent Merrin (Leeds Rhinos), Tyrone Peachey (Titans).
Best team: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Dean Whare, 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6. James Maloney, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Sione Katoa, 10. James Tamou, 11. Isaah Yeo, 12. Viliame Kikau, 13. James Fisher-Harris. Bench: 14. Wayde Egan, 15. Moses Leota, 16. Jack Hetherington, 17. Kaide Ellis.
Predicted finish: 6th.
