Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has attributed his team’s impressive run of premierships, in part, to the anticipated departures of key players. The upcoming exit of stars Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris is providing additional motivation as the Panthers push towards the finals.
Luai and three of his State of Origin teammates returned to training on Wednesday, just in time to see captain Nathan Cleary’s successful comeback from injury, marked by a game-winning field goal against the Dolphins last weekend. This victory secured the Panthers’ second position on the ladder, positioning them well for a top-four finish and a strong chance at a fourth consecutive premiership.
Nathan Cleary and Luai, who have been playing together since their childhood days in Penrith’s junior system, haven’t shared the field since May due to Cleary’s hamstring injury. With only seven regular-season games left before the finals, they have limited opportunities to play together, a fact that is keenly felt by the coach. If Penrith reaches the grand final, this number could extend to 11 games.
“It’s the last ride for a very long combination,” Ivan Cleary commented on Wednesday, referring to the duo’s anticipated reunion against St George Illawarra on Sunday. “Having Romey (Luai) back and playing well is really exciting. This is the time of year to refine our combinations and figure out what works best for us. We’ve got a lot more to give, and we’re going to need to.”
Nathan Cleary and Luai are aiming to match the legendary Parramatta halves combination of Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling by winning four premierships together. This season is their final opportunity to achieve this goal, as Luai will be joining the Wests Tigers in 2025, and Fisher-Harris is set to return to New Zealand to play for the Warriors.
The Panthers have faced similar situations in recent seasons, winning premierships despite knowing that players like Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, and Api Koroisau were leaving. Ivan Cleary suggested that the knowledge of upcoming departures has previously served as a source of motivation, and it could do so again this year.
“It’s definitely inspired us in other ways before, the last couple of years,” Cleary said. “Romey and Fish (James Fisher-Harris) are following that theme. The guys who have left have had some of their best years. It’s definitely an inspiration and something to be motivated by.”
Penrith’s final standing could be influenced by their round-24 match against the Storm, a crucial game that might determine who finishes at the top of the table.
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