Ivan Cleary wants a Panthers team to be proud of

PENRITH Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is excited about the season ahead with a massive improvement expected from his team.

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PENRITH Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is excited about the season ahead with a massive improvement expected from his team.

The Panthers finished a disappointing 15th in 2012, winning only eight of 24 games.

After a big turnover of players, fans are hopeful of a better display this season.

Coach Ivan Cleary said the team was well ahead of where last year's squad was but would not elaborate on where he expected the team to finish.

"I've got every confidence we can compete," Cleary said. "I just hope the fans support their team and turn up.

"I am really confident the boys will give them something to be proud of.

"We can't hide from the fact that we are still trying to build and create a better future.

"But having said that I'd be very disappointed if we didn't improve significantly this year. I know where I want to finish but I won't say it.

"We will work out for ourselves what success means and if we can hit those marks and be consistent with the way we prepare and play then the results will come."

Penrith's new players have lifted the intensity in training, with competition for first-team spots strong.

Cleary also has an aim of bringing through the talented youngsters from the area but admits it will take time.

"From the top players down you want a fair bit of depth where you can have people challenging for positions," Cleary said.

"The other thing we wanted to implement was bringing local youngsters through and you can't do that overnight.

"Competition for spots is critical for our team at the moment and it is healthy, I think. It keeps everyone on their toes and keeps everyone performing at their best - and gives us a few options.

"The squad is different, without a doubt, with a lot of new guys."

The recruits have given Cleary several selection headaches, including choosing between Dean Whare and Wes Naiqama for fullback.

But the former New Zealand Warriors coach said he was confident in the abilities of both, as well as anointing two players who have impressed him in the pre-season.

"Dean has played predominantly as a centre, on the wing and at fullback. He was just all over the shop at Manly, but I think he can play well in that position (fullback)," Cleary said.

"Wes again played most of his NRL in the centres but has done well at fullback as well.

"We've got a bit of an option there, but at this stage it is likely to be one of those two.

"Tom Eisenhuth has been outstanding in absolutely everything in the pre-season. I thought he was very good and I think he is one to watch for the future.

"Probably from the new guys who has made the most impact would be James Segeyaro - not necessarily because he is training better than anyone else but just his personality, which is pretty much like he plays. I think he will add a fair bit to our team."