Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has launched a fierce defence of his family, vehemently denying what he labels "ridiculous" and "offensive" allegations that his youngest son, Jett, attempted to sabotage the team's preparations for the NRL Grand Final.
The extraordinary claims, which emerged on social media and in radio commentary, suggested that 19-year-old Jett was a disruptive influence on the Panthers camp, potentially jeopardising his brother Nathan's bid for a historic fifth straight premiership.
A Father's Furious Rebuttal
Speaking with palpable frustration, Cleary Sr. did not mince his words when addressing the speculation. "It's actually quite offensive," he stated, clearly angered by the insinuation that his family would undermine their own success.
He emphasised the unwavering support within the Cleary family, explaining that far from being a distraction, Jett has been a constant presence and a positive influence throughout the team's campaign. The coach highlighted the tight-knit nature of both his biological family and the broader Panthers 'family'.
The Pressure of a Historic Campaign
The Panthers stand on the brink of rugby league history, aiming to become the first team in the NRL era to win four consecutive premierships—a feat that would cement their legacy as one of the greatest dynasties the sport has ever seen.
Star halfback Nathan Cleary is central to this ambition, and the unfounded rumours surrounding his brother threatened to cast a shadow over the team's final preparations for their clash with the Melbourne Storm.
Unified Focus on the Prize
Despite the external noise, Ivan Cleary insists the squad's focus has not wavered. He praised the playing group's professionalism and their ability to block out unnecessary distractions, focusing solely on the monumental task ahead.
The coach confirmed that the bizarre episode has, if anything, strengthened the resolve within the camp, uniting players and staff as they approach the most important game of their season.
With the grand final now imminent, Cleary and his Panthers will be hoping their on-field performance does the talking, leaving the baseless rumours firmly in the past.
