I am disappointed with Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary, who is pointing the finger at his captain, Nathan Cleary, and Isaah Yeo for not…
Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has drawn criticism after seemingly placing blame on his captain, Nathan Cleary, and Isaah Yeo for the team’s recent shortcomings. As the Panthers’ top players and leaders on the field, Nathan and Yeo have been instrumental in the team’s success, but pointing the finger at them for any performance issues feels unwarranted.
Both Cleary and Yeo have been consistent pillars for Penrith over the years, driving the team’s winning culture. Nathan Cleary, as a star halfback and leader, has repeatedly delivered under pressure, while Isaah Yeo, with his work ethic and defensive brilliance, has been a linchpin in their structure. This is why the criticism, or the insinuation that they are to blame for any lackluster team performance, comes as a shock.
It’s essential for any coach to take responsibility for the overall team performance, not just single out individual players, especially those who have done so much for the club. Team dynamics, coaching strategies, and external factors all play a role in shaping results. Leadership from both the players and the coach should focus on collective improvement, rather than assigning blame.
Ivan Cleary, with his years of experience, should understand the importance of building trust and solidarity within the team, especially when things don’t go according to plan. Blaming key players in public undermines morale and sends the wrong message to both the squad and the fans. If there are internal issues, addressing them constructively behind closed doors would likely yield better results.
The Panthers’ fans, who have been loyal through thick and thin, deserve a united front, not division.
