Been there, won that.
There’s a steely calmness that comes from winning four consecutive NRL grand finals, and it was on full show as Penrith coach Ivan Cleary spoke before Sunday’s sudden death semi final against the Bulldogs at a packed Accor Stadium.
Relaxed yet focussed, Cleary sounded every bit the off-field general who can deliver a record fifth consecutive premiership to the Panthers faithful, armed with on-field leaders who understand exactly what it takes to win on the biggest stages of all.
“Big games need big game players—and big players make big plays,” Cleary declared.
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“If you want to win at this time of year, your best players need to be playing well,” he continued.
“We have quite a number of guys who relish the big occasion and the big crowds—any player worth their salt would be looking forward to this game.”
‘He’s never satisfied with what he’s done’
Of course, there’s no bigger player when it comes to NRL finals than his 27-year-old son, Nathan.
“He’s doing most things pretty well, I reckon,” Cleary said when asked about the progress, and mindset, of his star halfback.
“He’s always looking to get better, that’s probably the main thing, he’s never satisfied with what he’s done.”
In an ominous sign for all of the remaining NRL finalists, beginning with the Bulldogs, Cleary then issued a warning that Nathan’s best is yet to come.
“I definitely think there’s more in him—the more you play, the more you see the game and the more it slows down for you when it comes to picking the right time to do certain things, that will be critical again this week,” he said.
‘A great side with plenty to play for in front of massive home crowd’
Despite confirmation that injured Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton will not play, Cleary remains wary of Cameron Ciraldo and a Bulldogs side that continues to boast the best defence in the NRL.
“He’s obviously a huge part of their team—I believe Critta is the best centre in the game,” Cleary said.
“But they’re a great side with plenty to play for in front of massive home crowd, we’re definitely wary of them.”