The players’ bunker offered little shelter for Penrith’s six NSW Origin representatives at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night as they watched their 12-NRL winning streak come to an end.
The barrage of abuse came thick and fast for the Panthers boys, with Nathan Cleary copping the worst of it by the vocal Wests Tigers crowd.
A 26-6 win for the Tigers was their first back-to-back victory of the season and only stoked the already intense rivalry between the two Western Sydney sides.
Cleary was heckled mercilessly, while his father and coach Ivan could at least pretend not to hear the chants or see the rude gestures from fans from his spot in the coaches box. The animosity for Cleary’s exit from the club back in 2018 is still alive and well.
To his credit, Blues halfback Cleary stuck it out on the sidelines until the end of the game before disappearing up the tunnel, only to re-emerge to shake hands with ex-skipper and current Tigers captain James Tamou.
Cleary, as well as Blues teammates Jarome Luai, Api Koroisau, Brian To’o, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo, and Queensland representative Kurt Capewell, were all missed in the scrappy loss to Tigers.
However, with just one day in between the Origin opener in Townsville on Wednesday and their Friday night match against Cronulla, there is doubt they will be able to back up.
A chartered flight from Townsville to Sydney could help the situation, but it would be a massive day of travel for Penrith’s key players, especially Cleary and Luai, who will be tested most heavily by Queensland on Wednesday night.
Coach Cleary said he has a plan, but is resigned to missing at least some of his stars to face Cronulla in Kogarah on Friday.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
“We’ll see how we go injury wise… once we work out what players we have in certain positions,” he said.
“We’ve got a plan in place but there’s also a bit of wait and see come Wednesday as well.”
Matt Burton and Tyrone May deputised in the halves in Friday night’s loss and Cleary was not happy with their execution at the end of sets. Burton had a tough night in particular, twice failing to find touch to dampen what could have been a solid performance.
“He scored a great try, but for the guy who kicks the ball the most he would be disappointed, and he should be,” Cleary said.
“I don’t think Matt has gone through anything but good games so far, so he’ll be right.
“We’ve certainly got a lot of faith in Matt.
“He’s one who had to change positions and play in a completely different position. He’ll be better for the run.”
He who laughs last !
Guest
Tigers supporters also threw cans at Penrith supporters & verbally abused them at Leichhardt. Classy stuff! Is it any wonder that I’d say that the the Panthers shouldn’t forget their visit to Leichhardt. Look forward to the Tigers coming to Penrith!
Paul
Guest
That’s for sure.. I heard from some Manly supporters. They took their families to watch South’s play Manly. The Burrow abused them with all sorts of language, as they turned up in Manly kit. Then they were spat on. Lovely!
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Paul, it's one of those things if you're successful no matter what sport everyone likes to see them get beat. I'm not a Panthers fan so it really doesn't worry me that much. Couple of grounds in Sydney are fairly feral no matter who you support its in their DNA.
Paul
Guest
Dislike for the Broncos, just comes from the fact that they were Queensland’s team. The Roosters, as they’ve bought their premierships. Still go about it the same way. Melbourne, as they’ve had plenty of favours in games over the years. With them it’s more jealousy. As they’ve been amazing, with whatever players!
Well they aint hating on him because he is an ex Tigers coach. They are hating on him because of his actions when he was the coach...And those actions were a big FU to all Tigers fans. As for the Pascoe issue well thats a commercial decision as was penrith approaching Ivan when he was Tigers coach but the actions of IC are the big difference. IC crapped all over the Tigers and their fans.
He who laughs last!
Guest
If you know the game & the 2 teams? You know Pascoe. The supporters of the 2 teams, don’t feel like forgiving? Penrith supporters haven’t done anything wrong, at any game. I think that’s all Tiggers ! Don’t lump other supporters in with that lot.
I think many know who Ivan Cleary is but I have no idea who Justin Pascoe is. Ivan Cleary did a runner on the warriors then a runner on the Tigers and all to run to the Panthers. And he did it with backhanded methods which will have earnt him a bad name at both clubs and a deserved one at that. If the fans of those two clubs dont feel like forgiving yet then Im fine with that as he did bring all of that on himself but as much as Im fine with heckling and making sure he knows they arnt happy I dont support more than that.
He who laughs last!
Guest
Throwing ‘fans’ , sorry.
He who laughs last!
Guest
It’s the same as the Tigers stealing Justin Pascoe from the Panthers. Getting to bring all the staff that he could with him. Done behind their backs, The first thing the club knew about it was when he came in one morning & cleaned out his desk. I don’t see Panthers fans doing all that the Tigers supporters do because that happened? As for the throwing funds kisses last year by Ivan. It’s because they were throwing abuse his way then as well. Before Ivan came to the Panthers, Tigers supporters were all talking up that Nathan would be stolen from Penrith to go to the Tigers. As Ivan was there as well. So don’t think the Tigers are angels. I know the supporters are far from it ,after this last game. You don’t think that any Penrith supporter, official , coach & player will remember the game just gone?
The behaviour from SOME may not be great but the behaviour of Ivan was also not great so the two groups probably deserve each other. “Get on the Bus” Ivan said as he hopped off the bus himself. I feel no sympathy for him and Im not a Tigers fan but I saw the dog thing he did.
He who laughs last!
Guest
It wasn’t just Ivan ,Jacko. They did the same last year. This year it was worse. Do you support the constant verbal abuse , abuse through gestures . Of all the players, coaches & staff of a team that visit the Tigers grounds. Even players on the sidelines? Plus physical threats to their players? That’s what happened . Get over your Ivan hatred Tigers. That’s well past. Although I would be worried about the Tigers in the last round coming to Penrith. If I were a Tigers supporter. The treatment dished out at Leichhardt was not acceptable .
Well Ivan crapped all over the Tigers so I think its called Karma if he cops a bit when he visits...
Why? What Tigers coach was an ex Penrith coach and crapped all over the Tigers apart from Ivan the useless?
Nah he is only a Guest. His opinion is diminished
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Souths only lost to Panthers by 4 points in last years Prelim Final. I think they would give the panthers and storm a good run for their money come finals time. The Rabbitohs have a total of 8 Origin reps this year (plus their non SOO players are of the calibre of Reynolds, Walker, Marshall, Johnston, T. Burgess) - they've got the fire power, we just need to be fit and some luck always helps.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Hate against successful teams is not uncommon. Look at hate against Broncos and Storm and Roosters over the years. The fact that Cleary left West's and has been successful purely adds salt to the wounds. When the tigers win 12 in a row they'll be cock a hoop. But we know that will never happen.
I forgive, I never forget!
Guest
Bye up all the tickets for the Last Round Panthers supporters! If there’s not one Tigers flag there, all the better. Make it a fun day that the Tigers won’t forget! Don’t forget the ‘Fun’ treatment the team , coaches , support staff , sideline players had to take from the Leichhardt crowd.
He who laughs last!
Guest
The pulling of a player into the Tigers try celebration. Constant verbal abuse of Panthers players, even those sitting on the sidelines. Constant verbal & visual abuse by Tigers supporters towards Ivan Cleary. A Tigers supporter having to have police called , as he was going to attack Jennings. This is what the Tigers & their supporters have become. I’m very sure all Penrith players, coaching staff & supporters won’t forget this treatment. I hope all Penrith supporters don’t fall to these ridiculous depths. When the Tigers come to visit Penrith, in the last round. I’m sure no motivation will be required by all the players & coaching staff who experienced it. I bet won’t be difficult to fill Penrith’s stadium for that game. Get in now all Penrith supporters! By up all the tickets . Make it a lovely day for the Tigers.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
The only thing that doesn't matter is your opinion
Walter Black
Guest
.... and the Tigers aren't in the same basket ?