Ivan Cleary has refused to answer the $2.5 million question about David Fifita’s potential future with the Panthers.
Reports emerged on Sunday afternoon that the Titans star was to begin negotiations with Penrith and was scheduled to meet with club officials and Ivan Cleary on Monday.
It has since emerged that Fifita has been tabled a three-year deal worth over $2.5 million by the club, reports 9News and The Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas.
The three-time premiership-winning coach spoke with the media on Monday afternoon, stating that he would not be commenting on any recruitment speculation.
“Respectfully, I’m not going to comment on recruitment today,” Cleary told reporters.
“It’s obviously a very sensitive issue, all recruitment. It affects a lot of people, clubs, players, agents, and families.
“I think we’ve already filled our quota for recruitment stories this year so I’m not going to discuss it today.
“I’m sorry if you came out here just for that [question] but I’m not talking about it today.”
With a stacked list of departures over the past four years – with Sunia Turuva, James Fisher-Harris, and Jarome Luai all leaving the club at the end of the current season – it could be the beginning of the end for one of the greatest teams of the modern era.
The Panthers have found themselves looking through the market for the first time in four years, with the club hoping to recruit depth and experience into their line-up.
Cleary admitted Penrith got their recruitment balance “a little bit wrong” last season but hopes he can help “evolve” the team in the right direction for 2025.
“It is different [going back to the market],” he said.
“It’s been probably four years I reckon but still we are always looking for other players too. So it’s not that different.
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