Cleary Calm Amid Origin Storm as Panthers Brace for Warriors Clash

Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary fronted the media ahead of Sunday night's Round 13 clash with the New Zealand Warriors at CommBank Stadium, fielding questions on a week that has been anything but quiet from State of Origin selections to a bombshell resignation at the top of the NRL.

With Game One of the 2026 State of Origin series set for Wednesday night, the biggest question on reporters' minds was whether Cleary's representative players would be available to back up against the Warriors just four days later. Ivan Cleary has named Origin reps Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Casey McLean and Brian To'o in the reserves and will monitor their fitness after Game One. The Panthers coach was measured in his response, noting the circumstances were more favourable than in previous years. "This week is a little different. The game is in Sydney, and we have got a Sunday night game, so it is probably the best chance for the Origins stars to back up," Cleary said.

One of the more pointed lines of questioning in the presser touched on just how Penrith continues to produce elite, state level talent year after year. Cleary's answer was characteristically patient. The Panthers coach reflected on sticking with young players through the difficult stretches, referencing how the club had committed to their emerging edge attack even during a 2025 season that fell short of expectations. "I think last year was a really good learning for them, especially when we went well at the end of the year," Cleary said. "They came through that and now they're connecting well, and it should be noted they're defending well too."

The hottest topic of the week for Panthers fans was the inclusion of 20-year-old Casey McLean in the extended NSW squad, with the centre a real chance to make his State of Origin debut. Cleary was glowing about his young centre's development. "Casey has come on leaps and bounds," Cleary said. "He has started this year strongly again. He has certainly earned his spot in that team, and I am looking forward to what role he plays." McLean came through the grades at Penrith in the Harold Matthews Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup before forcing his way into first grade a classic Panthers pathway that Cleary clearly takes great pride in. Ivan Cleary is described as being "really big on not limiting yourself, or being one-dimensional, and learning to attack and defend on both sides," according to McLean himself this helped his rapid rise that shaped him.

Not everyone in the Panthers camp received the Origin news they were hoping for. Dylan Edwards, widely considered as one of the competition's best fullbacks in 2026, was left out of the NSW squad with Laurie Daley opting to recall James Tedesco for the opener. Edwards is averaging 221 metres per game, has the best defensive record of his career and has seven try assists in 11 games in 2026, driving the Panthers to first position. Despite that form, Cleary backed his fullback to channel any frustration productively. "It is a contentious selection and obviously a close one," Cleary said. "Dyl has been playing awesome. Everyone knows that so I guess it gives him a little bit more fire. That would be good, but if he just keeps playing the way he is I will be happy." It was a measured, supportive response but the message was clear: Edwards isn't going anywhere, and his best football is still coming.

The final topic reporters put to Cleary was one that had nothing to do with the Panthers directly but sent shockwaves through the entire rugby league community. NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo announced his resignation on Monday, set to replace long-serving Tennis Australia head Craig Tiley. Abdo will remain in the role until July 15, 2026 to ensure a smooth transition and the completion of upcoming broadcast negotiations, with ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys taking on an executive role until a new CEO is in place.

The Panthers coach acknowledged the suddenness of the news, and while Cleary kept his comments brief, it was clear the departure had registered across the game. Abdo had been a stabilising and innovative force at the helm of the NRL for nearly seven years.

It all adds up to a week of considerable noise around the game but at Penrith, the focus remains squarely on the battle of 1v2 on Sunday night and continuing the Panthers' march towards another premiership.

By Panthers Junior Reporter, Keean Holmes