The Penrith Panthers are gearing up for their highly anticipated NRL Finals campaign, determined to secure another premiership and cement their place as one of the most dominant teams in recent rugby league history. As they approach the finals, head coach Ivan Cleary and his squad are focusing on key elements of their game plan that have brought them success over the past few seasons. However, they are also fine-tuning specific areas, addressing recent challenges, and ensuring that star players like Nathan Cleary are in top form for the upcoming high-stakes matches.
One of the biggest storylines for Penrith leading into the finals is the return of Nathan Cleary, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury. Cleary’s absence over the past few weeks was felt as the team showed signs of struggle, particularly in attack, during their recent match against the Gold Coast Titans. While the Panthers managed to pull off an 18-12 victory, their performance highlighted areas that needed improvement, especially in terms of handling errors and completion rates.
Cleary’s return to the lineup is seen as a critical boost for the Panthers. Having passed all fitness tests, including tackling sessions with forwards from the NSW Cup side, Cleary is set to take the field without needing pain management for his shoulder injury. Coach Ivan Cleary expressed confidence in his son’s readiness for the finals, stating that Nathan is 100% fit and will provide the direction and leadership that the team needs to navigate the tough games ahead.
Nathan Cleary’s return not only bolsters the team’s playmaking capabilities but also provides psychological momentum. Known for his exceptional game management, kicking abilities, and defensive solidity, Cleary is expected to face significant pressure from opposing teams, particularly from the Sydney Roosters, who are likely to target his shoulder in an attempt to exploit any lingering weaknesses.
Despite finishing the regular season as one of the top teams, Penrith’s last few games have exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly in their ball-handling and execution. Against the Titans, the Panthers recorded 14 errors and a 67% completion rate, numbers that are far below their usual high standards. Coach Ivan Cleary and his staff have made
their focus to correcting these errors in training ahead of the finals, knowing that such mistakes will be punished by the high-caliber teams they are likely to face in the knockout stages.
A key emphasis has been on maintaining high completion rates and minimizing unforced errors, two areas that have historically been pillars of Penrith’s success. The team’s defense remains among the best in the league, but the finals will require even tighter coordination, particularly when faced with teams that thrive on capitalizing on opposition mistakes.
Another factor working in Penrith’s favor is the consistent performances of players like fullback Dylan Edwards and winger Brian To’o. Edwards, who ran 235 meters in the recent match against the Titans, continues to be a key figure in Penrith’s defensive and offensive strategies. His ability to create opportunities from the back, along with his safe handling and defensive work, makes him indispensable as the Panthers move into the finals. To’o’s relentless running game and knack for finishing off attacking moves also provide Penrith with a lethal edge on the flanks.
Both Edwards and To’o exemplify the work ethic and intensity that have defined the Panthers’ rise over the past few seasons. Their influence on both sides of the ball will be crucial as the team looks to stifle the opposition’s attack while also posing a significant threat on the wings.
In their opening finals match, Penrith face off against the Sydney Roosters, a team they defeated earlier in the season but now face in a much higher-stakes scenario. The Roosters will be looking to test Nathan Cleary’s fitness, particularly with destructive back-rowers like Angus Crichton expected to run at him repeatedly. However, Crichton and the Roosters have acknowledged that while Cleary’s shoulder might be a target, focusing too much on one player could derail their overall game plan.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Panthers, as a win would give them a valuable week off, allowing them to regroup and prepare for the latter stages of the finals. The pressure is also on coach Ivan Cleary, whose decision to bring his son back into the squad at this stage of his recovery will be scrutinized. However, Cleary has stated that this was always the plan, and the Panthers have full confidence in their system and preparation.
Penrith is not just looking to win another premiership—they are aiming to build a dynasty. Having already secured back-to-back titles in recent years, the Panthers have set their sights on becoming one of the most dominant teams in NRL history. To do so, they will need to navigate through a finals series stacked with high-quality opponents like the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, and South Sydney Rabbitohs, all of whom have been in excellent form throughout the season.
The preparation for the finals is as much mental as it is physical. The Panthers have been here before and understand the pressure and expectations that come with being one of the top contenders. With players like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, and Brian To’o leading the way, and a coach who has been instrumental in shaping the team’s success, Penrith is well-equipped to take on the challenge.
If they can maintain their focus, minimize mistakes, and capitalize on the return of key players, the Penrith Panthers are poised to make yet another deep run into the NRL finals, with the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy once again.
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