Press Conference: Panthers v Knights – Nathan and Ivan Cleary Reflect on Round 23 Clash
The atmosphere in the press room following Penrith’s Round 23 showdown with the Newcastle Knights was electric yet composed. Two familiar figures took their seats at the front table — head coach Ivan Cleary and his son, star halfback Nathan Cleary. Still in their Panthers attire, both men carried the calm but focused expressions of seasoned professionals who know the job is far from done.
The Panthers had just completed a tense and, at times, gritty encounter against a Knights side that refused to roll over. While Penrith ultimately came away with the win, the match wasn’t without its tests, and the Clearys were quick to acknowledge both the challenges and the positives.
Ivan Cleary’s Assessment: Tough, Resilient, and Far From Complacent
Ivan began the session with a measured assessment of the team’s performance. “It wasn’t our most polished outing,” he admitted. “But it was one of those games where you need to grind, adapt, and stay patient. The Knights pushed us in key areas, and the way our boys responded says a lot about the culture we’ve built.”
The veteran coach praised his players’ defensive resolve, noting that their ability to hold their ground under pressure was a defining feature of the contest. He acknowledged that there were lapses in execution, particularly in attack, but felt the overall game plan held strong. “In a season like this, it’s not always about putting on a show — sometimes it’s about surviving the grind and finding a way to win.”
Ivan’s tone carried the balance of pride and realism. He made it clear that the Panthers were already thinking about the improvements needed to sharpen up for the final rounds before the playoffs.
Nathan Cleary: Strategic Patience and Respect for the Opposition
When it was Nathan’s turn to speak, his words echoed his father’s sentiment but carried the perspective of a player in the heat of battle. He described the match as “tough from start to finish” and credited Newcastle for their relentless energy. “They came at us hard, and we had to match that intensity. We couldn’t just rush things — we had to build pressure, stick to our sets, and make sure we were controlling the pace.”
Nathan’s game management was one of the key factors in Penrith’s win. His kicking game pinned the Knights deep, and his playmaking opened up scoring opportunities at crucial moments. However, he was self-critical about a few attacking plays that didn’t come off. “There were a couple of times I thought we could have iced it earlier, but that’s on me to get right next week.”
Defensive Discipline and Tactical Adjustments
One of the recurring themes in the press conference was the importance of Penrith’s defensive discipline. The Panthers’ defensive line held firm against multiple Knights sets on their try line, and this was something Ivan was particularly pleased with. “It’s that commitment to the little things — line speed, communication, second efforts — that wins you tight games,” he said.
Ivan also hinted at subtle tactical changes made during the match to counter the Knights’ momentum. Adjustments in the ruck speed, a shift in kicking targets, and a more conservative approach in yardage sets all played a role in turning the tide.
Nathan elaborated on this from the players’ perspective. “We were getting into a bit of an arm wrestle, and sometimes that means pulling back on the high-risk plays and just winning the territory battle. You can’t play flashy footy all the time — not against a side that’s hungry and fighting for everything.”
Injuries, Rotations, and Squad Management
Reporters were quick to ask about player fitness, given the physical nature of the match and the looming finals. Ivan confirmed that there were no major injury concerns from the clash but acknowledged that squad rotation would be a focus in the coming weeks. “We’ve got a deep roster, and managing player load is going to be important. Finals footy is a different beast — you need everyone fit and firing.”
Nathan also spoke about the mental side of managing the run home. “It’s about staying fresh upstairs as much as in the body. These last rounds are as much about preparation and focus as they are about match fitness.”
Respect for the Knights’ Effort
Both Clearys went out of their way to give credit to the Newcastle Knights. Ivan described them as “tenacious, well-drilled, and not afraid to take their chances,” while Nathan admitted they made the Panthers work for every metre. “They played with pride, and you can’t underestimate that. We knew they were going to turn up for the full 80, and they did.”
The Knights’ physical defence and willingness to throw the ball around kept Penrith on alert. Ivan pointed out that facing a side like Newcastle at this stage of the season was valuable preparation for finals football. “It’s the kind of challenge you want. If you cruise through games, you get caught off guard later. This keeps us sharp.”
Focus on the Bigger Picture
While much of the conversation revolved around Round 23’s specifics, both Ivan and Nathan kept returning to the bigger picture. The Panthers are in a strong position on the ladder, but neither was interested in talking about premierships just yet.
Ivan said, “You’ve got to earn your spot every week. What we do now is about building habits, building confidence, and building the kind of performances that hold up in September.”
Nathan added, “We’re proud of where we are, but the season doesn’t get remembered for Round 23. It gets remembered for what happens in the finals. That’s where our focus is.”
Closing Remarks: Unity and Determination
As the press conference wrapped up, the body language between father and son reflected a shared vision — calm confidence without arrogance. There was no over-celebrating the win, just a mutual understanding that the job is ongoing.
Ivan’s final words summed up the team’s mentality: “We’ve got a group that’s willing to work for each other, and that’s what gives us a chance every week. The Knights gave us a real test tonight, and I’m happy with how we responded. But we know there’s more in us.”
Nathan’s closing comments carried the same measured determination: “We’ll enjoy the win tonight, recover well, and then get straight back to work. Every game from here on is about building towards that one goal.”
In Summary: The Round 23 clash between the Panthers and the Knights wasn’t a showcase of free-flowing attack or record-breaking tries. Instead, it was a match built on resilience, strategy, and an unwavering refusal to yield under pressure.
The post-match press conference revealed a team that’s not only focused on the scoreboard but on the process that leads to sustained success. Ivan Cleary’s experienced eye saw the bigger picture, while Nathan Cleary’s on-field insights brought the tactical side to life. Together, their words painted the picture of a Panthers side that is humble in victory, respectful of its opponents, and laser-focused on the road to the finals.
If this performance — and the mindset behind it — is anything to go by, the defending champions remain one of the most formidable threats in the competition.
