NRL grand final: ‘Humility, not arrogance’ — Ivan Cleary rejects the perception of Penrith Panthers

Ivan Cleary has had enough of suggestions his three-peat-chasing Panthers aren’t humble, despite all their success, hitting out at the narrative painted around the team.

DAILY TELEGRAPH - 28.9.23 Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos pictured at the NRL Fan Fest in Circular Quay today. Ivan Cleary hops off the bus. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

NRL boss Andrew Abdo has hit out at suggestions Penrith are an arrogant club and launched a staunch defence of Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai ahead of their Sunday’s grand final against the Broncos.

Abdo’s comments came as super coach Ivan Cleary dismissed claims the Panthers have crossed the line from quiet confidence to sheer arrogance as they bid to become the first team in 40 years to win a hat-trick of premierships.

The Panthers have been buffeted by the perception they have become too cocky for their own good, demonstrated by their over the top try celebrations and incendiary antics.

Ivan Cleary arrives at the NRL Fan Fest in Circular Quay. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Luai earlier this year shocked the code with a social-media post having a crack at NSW Origin fans while their social-media channel was lambasted after they trumpeted: “Up the Pahs” — a tongue-in-cheek reference to New Zealand’s new moniker the Wahs.

Then there are the claims the Panthers consistently bend the rules with their ‘protection racket’ - using blockers and clandestine tactics to stop opponents from getting to their champion duo Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards.

But on the eve of the Broncos-Panthers blockbuster at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, Abdo insisted the club had become a standard-bearer for NRL and their players deserved praise - not criticism - for the way they have embraced their community.

“I think they are misunderstood,” Abdo said.

“Certainly my interactions one-on-one with the players is that I wouldn’t brand them arrogant whatsoever. Those players engage with kids, engage with the community.

“I see it and observe it at games and training. Their players genuinely care about their fans, they genuinely care about the community.

“They are passionate about what they do and they express themselves in a unique way.”

Spencer Leniu, James Fisher-Harris and Isaah Yeo celebrate making another grand final. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

In terms of Luai, who was the subject of vicious social media attacks earlier this year, Abdo said: “Clearly it is disappointing when people cross the line. I think there has been some unfair targeting of some of the players.

“It is something that we as the rugby league community need to address. One of the things from time to time I think we need to work on is the respect for everyone in the game whether it is a player like Jarome Luai or a referee.

“We love the banter, we love the rivalry, but we must have respect at all times. I admire the bravery and the resilience that the players show.

“They are humans — it is so easy for people to say what they say on social media.”

Cleary bristled when asked about the perception of his side, ridiculing the view that the two-time premiers are smug and pompous.

“That’s a surprise that that’s the perception, yes,” Cleary snapped.

“I’d like to think our team is extremely humble in the way they approach their football.

“Every day our guys turn up for work, regardless of whether we have won or lost and try and get better.

“That’s humility rather than arrogance.”

Cleary takes time out to greet fans at Accor Stadium. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

While Penrith could be victims of Tall Poppy Syndrome, Broncos legend Gorden Tallis believes the Panthers are on the nose with many rugby league fans.

“At times they haven’t been endearing to the fans,” Fox analyst Tallis said.

“This is a team that could break records and be the greatest side ever and yet they can’t sell out stadiums. It’s the style of footy you play and how you conduct yourself on and off the field.

“That’s why they don’t sell out stadiums, as good as they are, I don’t think it rubs well with people off the field.”

NRL 360 host and former Bulldogs premiership winner Braith Anasta added: “I think they have to own, they are polarising and own their behaviour. They feed off it.

“They remember every (negative) comment from every journalist and every player.”

Asked about whether Penrith flout the rules by blocking rival kick chasers, Cleary said: “I think maybe everyone reads their notes on the previous year and what they spoke about that week.”

Penrith will start favourites to clinch a historic ‘Three-Peat’ but Cleary is wary of the Broncos.

Originally published as NRL grand final: ‘Humility, not arrogance’ — Ivan Cleary rejects the perception of Penrith Panthers