In anticipation of their forthcoming matchup in Townsville against the Cowboys, Ivan Cleary believes the Panthers are still trying to put the puzzle pieces together.
After defeating the Tigers 22–6 last week, Penrith will take the field on Saturday night. Injured halfback Nathan Cleary is expected to play.
Little adjustments were made to the starting lineup for the three-time defending champions during the off-season, but coach Cleary insists the team is still striving to get back to its best.
During Friday’s Panthers pre-game news conference, Cleary talked about how he feels about the matchup and said his squad is expecting a tough matchup against a “dangerous” North Queensland team.
“Our goal is to improve upon our performance from the previous week,” the coach declared.
“All we are doing is attempting to assemble the puzzle’s components. I believe that around this time of year, every team experiences the same thing, and our team is no exception.
“[The Cowboys] appear to be a club that is also attempting to put everything together.
While we have undoubtedly scored a lot of points and played in several exciting games, they are a very competent and dangerous team. We are aware of how busy we are.
“They have some tremendous players in the side and they are back at home after a few weeks, no doubt we will lift the energy there too.”
With a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action for the past six weeks, Penrith’s star playmaker Cleary will take over as captain of the second half from his temporary substitute. Brad Schneider
Leave a Reply