Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has not received enough praise for the job he has done with the players during the side’s historic three-year Grand Final run, according to SEN NRL expert Denan Kemp.
Since joining the Panthers in 2019, Cleary has possessed an incredible win rate of 75 per cent whilst guiding the side to consecutive premierships.
Aside from the success on the field, Kemp believes Cleary’s biggest accomplishment is his ability to maintain consistent performances from the squad despite a large number of changes within the playing personnel.
“I want to give massive raps to Penrith, a sign of a good club is when you don’t hear much about staffing or admin,” Kemp said on SEN 1170 The Captains Run.
“Let’s just take stock here, two years ago it (Penrith’s success) was because Trent Barrett was there and that’s why Nathan Cleary was playing so well, (he) leaves the club and they continue on their run.
“Then it was Cameron Ciraldo, he’s the reason, he’s got an ear to the young players at the club he brought them all through, (Andrew) Webster leaves the club.
“Their coaching staff has had a complete cleanout and they are still at the top of the comp; I don’t think Ivan Cleary gets enough raps for what he’s achieving right now at the Panthers.”
The Panthers have lost key players Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, and will be without Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu next year.
“I think it’s amazing what he’s managing to get out of these players now,” Kemp added.
“A guy like (Tyrone) Peachey, like who thought Peachey had that game in him still.”
The Panthers will be looking to cement their spot at the top of the NRL ladder when they face the Melbourne Storm on Friday night at Marvel Stadium.