The young guns slated to fill gaping holes as Cleary’s juggernaut rolls on: Panthers State of Play
Once again, the Panthers are the reigning premiership-winners and once again Ivan Cleary will have to find a way to replace outgoing stars.
The last two seasons has proven the master coach knows exactly what he’s doing when it comes to recruitment and blooding juniors.
Expect the 2024 season to be no different as Penrith navigate life without Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Jack Cogger.
Panthers powerbrokers have drafted in two new options to be the back-up halves pairing, while the club is set to look within to replace Leniu.
Meanwhile, the centre position could be the spot most under the spotlight with a returning star set to fill the void in the outside backs.
Ivan Cleary has cemented himself as one of the game’s best ever coaches in recent years, steering his side to a three-peat of premierships. What makes his achievements even more special is he has been able to replicate success with different staff in tow. Both Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster departed at the end of the 2022 season, joining the Bulldogs and Warriors respectively. Cleary then went about adding Peter Wallace and Ben Gardiner as his assistants, and both clearly have had an impact on the Panthers squad, who were able to bounce back from an unthinkable position in the grand final to beat the Broncos. Premierships are the indicator of whether a coach is classed as one of rugby league’s best, and Cleary has three to his name in as many years.
Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), Brad Schneider (Hull KR), Paul Alamoti (Bulldogs)
The Panthers have once again been savvy with their business dealings.
Daine Laurie began his NRL career at the foot of the mountain before moving to the Tigers, becoming a regular starter before falling out of favour in 2023.
With 52 NRL games now under his belt, the 24-year-old returns and improved player and could be the man to fill in for representative stars when unavailable.
He could also push to be the No.14 but will be facing stiff competition from Brad Schneider.
The former Raider could be the next halfback whose career has been transformed at the Panthers, with Sean O’Sullivan and Jack Cogger moving on to greener pastures in recent seasons.
Paul Alamoti has also made the move to Penrith from the Bulldogs and has played in the centres during his debut NRL season.
However, the Panthers are expected to attempt to transition him into the backrow, hoping to utilise his strong ball-running abilities and strength in the forwards.
Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs), Spencer Leniu (Roosters), Jaeman Salmon (Bulldogs), Jack Cogger (Knights), Tom Jenkins (Knights), Chris Smith (unsigned), Eddie Blacker (unsigned)
Ativalu Lisati (2024), Brad Schneider (2025), Brian To’o (2027), Daine Laurie (2024), Dylan Edwards (2028), Harrison Hassett (2025), Isaah Yeo (2027), Izack Tago (2025), Jack Cole (2026), James Fisher-Harris (2026), Jarome Luai (2024), Jesse McLean (2026), Liam Henry (2026), Liam Martin (2027), Lindsay Smith (2026), Luke Garner (2024), Matt Eisenhuth (2024), Mavrik Geyer (2025), Mitch Kenny (2024), Moses Leota (2027), Nathan Cleary (2027), Paul Alamoti (2024), Scott Sorensen (2026), Soni Luke (2025), Sunia Turuva (2024), Taylan May (2024), Tyrone Peachey (2024), Zac Hosking (2024)
: Pinpointing where the Panthers need to improve is like finding a needle in a haystack.
However, if you’re going to pick and area the Panthers could improve in it is their bench utility option.
Following the departure of Apisai Koroisau, Mitch Kenny moved into the starting hooker option and performed admirably, albeit a different style of dummy-half.
Soni Luke was billed as the man to take the No.14 jersey but failed to cement his spot and as such fell out of the side.
Luke Sommerton and Tyrone Peachey filled in as the utility at different stages of the season, but Daine Laurie could be an option in 2024.
Ivan Cleary has previously used his utility for only a short period to give Kenny a breather at hooker, but the player chosen usually has the ability to play in the outside backs.
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