Panthers: Ivan Cleary warns rivals to keep hands off Crichton, Luai and Yeo

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has drawn a line in the sand when it comes to competitors poaching any more of the club’s off-contract talent.

New Penrith co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary. Picture: Panthers media.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is eager to lock-up three of his biggest off-contract stars “sooner rather than later” after an influx of player movement at the club.

Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai and Isaah Yeo are just three of 10 players without a deal beyond season 2021.

But Cleary confirmed all three are high retention priorities.

“We are pretty close, it will happen. I’m pretty sure. I’d like to get it done sooner rather than later. If it comes before the season that’s great but I don’t think it going to be a distraction anyway,” Cleary said.

A grand final appearance on the back of a history making 17-game winning streak in 2020 has created the challenging scenario for the club of keeping talent at the foot of the mountains.

Ivan Cleary is keen to get Jarome Luai’s future at the club sorted. Picture: Brett Costello

In recent weeks Josh Mansour (Rabbitohs), Zane Tetevano (Leeds Rhinos), Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), Dean Whare (Catalans) have all been released from their respective contracts.

One player that won’t be going anywhere is breakout backrower Yeo, who was appointed as Penrith’s co-captain on Tuesday.

“I’m very confident that would be done very soon and it was always going to be done. It’s a big contract for him, he’s 26 and worked hard to get to this point so we just want to make sure it’s good for him and us and that takes a but of time,” Cleary said.

Yeo will share the captaincy armband with superstar halfback Nathan Cleary.

Coach Cleary is confident his son is up to the task despite only being 23-years old.

“He’s ready for it. In terms of extra pressure, I don’t think you could find any extra pressure for him. I think he has got enough. You’ll never get anymore with the position has in our team and I suppose his stature in the game,” Cleary said.

Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary have been named as Penrith's new co-captains, Picture:: Penrith Panthers

Nine months ago the young playmaker was caught up in a biosecurity Covid breach when a video of Cleary dancing to The Weekend’s viral hit Blinding Lights was released on social media platform, Tik Tok.

The NRL handed Cleary a two-game suspension and a $30,000 over the video.

Cleary said the lessons learned from the incident had made him a better person.

“I’ve always been of the belief that 12 months is a very long time in rugby league, a week is a long time, you always have the opportunity to turn things around in all aspects of life,” Nathan said.

“I had a slip up last year but I take it as motivation to be a better person on and off the field.”

The NSW Blues halfback also revealed the “slip-up” resurfaced this week when The Weekend performed the hit song during Monday’s Super Bowl LV halftime show.

“I got that many messages about it … thanks for bringing that up to remind me,” Cleary said.

“A lot of people were telling me to turn on the Super Bowl and watch the half time entertainment but I can’t listen to that song too many times now.”

Off contract 2021:

Isaah Yeo, Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Mitch Kenny, Kurt Capewell, Robert Jennings, Tyrone May, Brent Naden, Jaeman Salmon, Scott Sorensen

Gains 2021:

Robert Jennings (Wests Tigers), Matt Eisenhuth (Wests Tigers), Jaeman Salmon (Eels), Scott Sorensen (Sharks), Paul Momirovski (Wests Tigers)

Losses 2021:

Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Caleb Aekins (Raiders), James Tamou (Wests Tigers), Josh Mansour (Rabbitohs), Zane Tetevano (Leeds Rhinos), Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), Dean Whare (Catalans), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Bulldogs, retired)

PANTHERS NAME CO-CAPTAINS FOR 2021

The Penrith Panthers have announced a two-pronged captaincy approach for the 2021 season, with Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo named co-captains.

Cleary will captain the team coach by his father, Ivan, who declared the pair were the logical fit to replace Wests Tigers bound former skipper James Tamou.

Cleary revealed he knew his son Nathan and Yeo were the men for the job after seeing them seamlessly steer their Panthers teammates around during pre-season training.

“When I watched Isaah and Nathan during the first few weeks of this pre-season, they were organically leading those around them,” Cleary said.

“It was immediately apparent what was best for our team. It felt like those two had already been appointed. It was just that natural.

“As first-time captains, I think it’s beneficial they can share the burden of extra responsibilities that come with the role.

“Of course neither of them are the finished product but this opportunity will allow them to continue growing as leaders. I know they will do an excellent job for our club.”

OFFICIAL. Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary appointed co-captains of the Panthers for 2021. Congrats! 🙌🏽

📝 https://t.co/AS8AsHnZnV#pantherpride 🐾 pic.twitter.com/YfQuXCsD7q

— Penrith Panthers (@PenrithPanthers) February 9, 2021

With 148 NRL games under his belt, 26-year-old Yeo is Penrith’s most experienced campaigner while 23-year-old Cleary has grown into leadership as the team’s halfback for the last five years.

Yeo may be unassuming in the media space, but his strong actions on the field will ensure he handles the captaincy position with ease.

The Dubbo junior, who was a member of the premiership-winning Panthers NYC side in 2013, feels honoured to lead the proud club.

“As someone who came to the club as a 17-year-old and worked my way through the grades, to find myself in this position now is something my family and I are very proud of,” said Yeo, who has a chance to lead Penrith out as captain in his hometown of Dubbo this season when the Panthers take on South Sydney at Apex Oval on May 23.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be appointed to this role alongside Nathan. I think we’ve both grown a lot as footballers and leaders over the past couple of years.

“As a captain of this proud club I want to be leading by example, on and off the field, and I’ll be doing that to the best of my ability.”

Cleary is also ready to take on greater responsibility at the Panthers as he enters his sixth NRL season.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead this club with my good mate Yeoy (Isaah Yeo),” said Cleary, who made his NRL debut at Panthers in 2016 and marked his 100th game milestone in the 2020 NRL Grand Final.

“When you look at the past greats who have captained at Panthers, it’s quite overwhelming to think about being in that same position. It’s an immense honour.

“I’ve learned a lot about leadership over the last few years. This is just another step in that journey, and I’ll be doing everything I can to help our club achieve success this season.”

Originally published as Panthers: Ivan Cleary warns rivals to keep hands off Crichton, Luai and Yeo