Penrith coach Ivan Cleary not worried about predictions of a tumble down the ladder

Penrith have won the past two NRL premierships and while they have lost players for 2023 there’s no loss of belief despite what the pundits say.

Ivan Cleary speaks to the media (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says predictions are “worthless” as the defending NRL premiers begin their quest for a three-peat having lost another two key pillars of their recent success.

The Panthers begin their title defence against the Brisbane Broncos without premiership stars Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau respectively who were among players picked off by rivals.

But while the departures have lead some to suggest a third straight NRL title is beyond Penrith, Cleary said they lost players after their 2021 victory before going back-to-back and was adamant his playing group was in it’s “sweet spot” and ready for more success.

“I think it’s an obvious thing to say that we will fall behind when you lose guys of that calibre,” Cleary said on Thursday.

“We lost some the year before that as well.

Viliame Kikau has joined the Bulldogs (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“It’s just natural that would be said. But the thing about this time of year is everyone’s got predictions that are really worthless.

“You can only go off peoples‘ roster and by the looks of it, ours is weakened because of those guys (leaving).

“But the guys we still have, we feel like they’re right in the sweet spot of their careers and also the chemistry should hopefully improve as we go along.”

Superstar Nathan Cleary is still there to guide the Panthers

Penrith has also lost young winger Taylan May to a season-ending knee injury he picked up in the shock World Club Challenge loss to St Helens, a defeat which gave the critics more fuel.

But having established themselves as an NRL power, with three straight grand final appearances for two wins, Cleary and the Panthers know the season is a marathon, not a sprint.

While history beckons for three titles in a row, it’s the last thing on his or his player’s minds.

“It’s fairly obvious the opportunity there, but it’s really not worth mentioning or talking about right now,” Cleary said.

“As with each season, it’s a journey of 1000 steps.

“The first step was pre-season, getting ready, and then against the Broncos. That’s all we’re focused on.”