Fittler explains shock Cleary sighting in Blues’ coaching box

Brad Fittler has explained why Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was seen inside his inner sanctum during the Blues’ big Game 3 win.

Freddy lets it pour out.

While Panthers players aren’t strangers to the NSW playing squad, Fittler made a surprise decision ahead of Game III calling in a different kind of Penrith recruit.

Ivan Cleary, the mastermind behind the Panthers’ back-to-back premierships, was spotted entering the NSW coach’s box in the minutes leading up to kick-off.

Flanked by assistants Paul McGregor and Danny Buderus, as well as adviser Greg Alexander — Cleary took his place in the Blues’ control room.

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Speaking in the post-match press conference, Fittler was asked why the experienced coach was present.

“I just asked him if he’d come and sit in the box,” Fittler said.

“I’m impressed with him the way he handles games and I thought he might be able to help tonight.”

A journalist then asked if Cleary had an impact on proceedings as NSW secured their first win of the 2023 series with a strong performance.

Ivan Cleary enjoyed the drama.

Fittler confirmed Cleary gave him suggestions during the game.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Fittler said with a wry smile.

“I asked him a lot of questions... and he came up with pretty good answers.”

In recent years Fittler has opted to utilise a spine of Panthers stars including Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai and Isaah Yeo.

Add in to the mix Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o and six Penrith players featured in the series opener.

But at Accor Stadium it was the Rabbitohs combination of Damien Cook, Cameron Murray and recalled five-eighth Cody Walker than ran riot.

And Cleary was interestingly one of the men pulling the strings.

Originally published as Fittler explains shock Cleary sighting in Blues’ coaching box