Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has admitted to feeling “sad” in the build-up to the Panthers’ grand final victory as he faced up to the impending break-up of his squad and coaching staff.
The Panthers secured a second-straight premiership with a 28-12 victory over Parramatta on Sunday.
Penrith were far too good for the Eels, but they will wake up on Monday knowing they will be losing some key cogs in their roster and staff.
Defence coach Cameron Ciraldo is heading to Canterbury and taking back-rower Viliame Kikau with him.
Hooker Api Koroisau is heading to the Wests Tigers and assistant coach Andrew Webster is stepping into a head coach’s role with the Warriors.
“I got a bit emotional yesterday and I don’t even know why,” Cleary said on Sunday.
“I think it’s just because, this moment in time, this team won’t stay together.
“There were some quiet moments on my own and a little bit in front of the boys.
“It just came over me and I think because we’ve done so well for so long.
“It’s very sad in our team this year, not just players, but coaching staff (are leaving). We’ll never be together again.”
Kikau provides the Panthers with an unorthodox outlet of attack while Koroisau’s scheming at hooker gives the side an extra dimension.
Cleary said the No.9’s impact would be felt hardest.
“When Api comes on, he makes people feel good and everyone plays better while he’s out there,” he said.
“He’s had an incredible season, we won’t be able to replace him.”
Cleary, however, will take solace in how this team has continued to evolve since reaching their first grand final in 2020.
The likes of centre Izack Tago and winger Taylan May, who didn’t play on Sunday due to a hamstring injury, have become established first-graders.
Add to that the fact Penrith’s SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup sides all claimed premierships this year.
“That’s how our club works,” Cleary said.
“You know, that’s how we’re going to, for us to be any good (going forward).
“We have to be able to do that.
“We have a lot of people that are in pathways and a lot of that who have worked so hard and don’t get any credit.”
Meanwhile, Cleary had a message for St Helens ahead of a potential World Club Challenge match-up – “let’s go”.
The battle of the NRL and Super League’s premiers hasn’t occurred since 2020 with Covid forcing the last two editions to be scrubbed, but both clubs appear keen to reignite the feud between the world’s two best competitions.
Asked after his side smashed Parramatta 28-12 to make it back-to-back premierships if he felt the Challenge should return, Cleary was quick to volunteers his club’s services.
