Coaching Q&A: How Ivan Cleary and his Panthers can go one better in 2021

In the latest of our exclusive coaching Q&A sessions, Ivan Cleary talks bouncing back from heartbreak and moving on from club veterans.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 25: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary look on following the 2020 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Penrith Panthers put together a dominant regular season in 2020 only to fall at the final hurdle in a heartbreaking Grand Final loss.

Coach Ivan Cleary reveals the lessons learnt from defeat and how the club will cover the departure of experienced veterans James Tamous and Josh Mansour.

They say you have to lose a grand final before you win. Is there anything in this old saying?

Most old sayings have an origin or evidence to validate them. In our case we will be better for the experience, no doubt.

What were the lessons learned and where have you looked for improvement over the off-season?

Our young squad learned many lessons throughout last year even though we were winning for the majority of the season. We also learned some things through defeat in the GF. Our effort was tremendous and we played with great courage. In saying that, we didn’t execute well enough especially in the key moments. We will only be better for experiencing that occasion. We aim to improve in all aspects.

(L-R): Nathan and Ivan Cleary look on following the 2020 NRL Grand Final. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

You have lost some experience in the forward pack with James Tamou and Zane Tetvano moving on. Are you comfortable with your depth and who can we expect to step up in the middle?

It was very hard to say goodbye to Jimmy T. He was a very well respected person, player, and captain but we knew a while back that his departure was on the cards. Zane on the other hand came out of the blue and we weren’t really prepared for that. Through respect for Zane and the contribution he made to our club in a short time, we felt obliged to look after his family. We are in search of a replacement. Whilst he will be hard to replace, and we will need another body there, we are very comfortable with our middle forward unit despite the experience of those two guys.

Some more experience will be missing after Josh Mansour was released. Why was the call made to move him on?

It was also very sad to see Sauce leave the Panthers. He was a long standing, popular member of the team who had seen the entirety of the complete rebuild from 2012. His contribution will never be forgotten. Our charter at the Panthers is to develop young talent through our own system. Unfortunately, that means that our older players will sometimes make way for that youth.

Josh Mansour’s final game for the Panthers ended in tears. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

A lot has been said about Nathan since the grand final. In fact, a lot is always being said about Nathan. How does he handle the constant criticism and what are you expecting from him this year?

Nat has learned who’s opinion to listen to and it is those opinions that he focuses on. He does receive plenty of criticism but gets plenty of wraps too, so it’s very important to keep them both in perspective. He has put in many hours of work to develop his mental skills, along with learning constantly through being at the coal face. There are many of our young squad, including Nat, that will only improve their football again in 2021. They are getting closer to their prime with each year playing together.

While on the halves, will we see Matt Burton play in the NRL this year and did you ever consider releasing him to go to the Bulldogs after he signed a deal with Canterbury for 2022?

Matt is a valuable member of our squad who will improve again this season. We never planned anything other than Burto being a Panther in 2021.

James Tamou’s departure leaves a big hole up front for the Panthers. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Are there any spots that you would say are up for grabs and who is in contention to earn an NRL start?

Everyone in our squad has an opportunity to play this season.

What has the message been over the pre-season? What has been your focus?

If you aren’t getting better, you’re getting worse. Luckily our boys have been all over that so far.

Coaches talk about “non-negotiables”. What is it that every player in your team must do?

Panthers has a unique culture that everyone here is aware of. There are standards of performance and behaviour that drive this culture. Hopefully some of these values are clear to see from the outside.

What does it mean to be a Penrith Panther in 2021?

I can’t speak for everyone but I am extremely grateful to be able to lead this team again in 2021. I couldn’t imagine where else I’d rather be. Good players, good staff, good chemistry.

Originally published as Coaching Q&A: How Ivan Cleary and his Panthers can go one better in 2021