Penrith Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has stated that his side will be even better in season 2022, believing the reigning premiers will reach another level next season.
The Panthers went down 16-10 to the Rabbitohs in the qualifying final and then conceded only four tries in their next three matches to take out the 2021 premiership.
Fletcher says that not only do Penrith possess some of the best players in the entire competition, but also some of the youngest as well.
“They only average 24 years in age,” Fletcher said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I think everybody at that age (with) each year you improve on the sporting field.
“Ivan Cleary … has no doubt that they will be a better side in ’22 than they were in ’21.”
Fletcher gave praise to Nathan Cleary who is arguably the heart and soul of the club.
At just 24-years-old, Cleary’s resumé is already stacked with accolades.
Cleary has played 120 NRL games and has represented New South Wales on 10 occasions and has been a part of three winning series for the Blues.
Most recently, the halfback won the Clive Churchill medal for leading Penrith to their first premiership in 18 years.
“He’s only 24 years of age,” Fletcher said.
“Nathan’s got a terrific influence (on the club) because he’s such an outstanding player.
“Good five-eighths or halfbacks only mature when they are 27 or 28.
“He could be one of the best footballers to ever play the game.
“He’s probably close to that now.”
Fletcher says that the squad is also not resting on their laurels and are determined to return to the Grand Final in front of their fans.
“They are motivated by the fact that they weren’t here in front of the home crowd,” he said.
“They’ve set themselves the goal to be there at the end of the season in 22 to repay the fans that couldn’t go to the Grand Final.”
Penrith’s title defence begins on March 10 against Manly in Round 1.