Ivan Cleary in Staggering Call on Panthers Loss as Fan Footage Lands Manly Star in Hot Water
Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has made a surprising admission following his team’s narrow loss to the Manly Sea Eagles, while newly surfaced fan footage has placed a Manly star under scrutiny.
The Panthers, reigning NRL champions, suffered a controversial defeat in a high-intensity clash, with several key moments sparking debate. Post-match, Cleary stunned fans and analysts alike by conceding that his side simply “weren’t good enough on the night” rather than blaming officiating or contentious decisions. His measured response stood in contrast to the outcry from many Panthers supporters, who pointed to a series of questionable calls that may have influenced the result.
Meanwhile, social media erupted after fan-filmed footage showed a Manly player allegedly engaging in an off-the-ball incident that went unnoticed by match officials. The video, which has since gone viral, appears to show the player making illegal contact with a Panthers opponent, raising questions about whether the NRL’s Match Review Committee will take action.
Panthers players were reportedly furious over the incident, believing it contributed to key momentum shifts in the game. The NRL has yet to issue an official response, but there is growing speculation that the Manly star could face scrutiny in the coming days.
While Cleary’s reaction has been praised for its sportsmanship, the fallout from the footage could lead to a fresh controversy, potentially impacting Manly’s lineup for upcoming fixtures. With tensions running high, all eyes are now on the NRL’s disciplinary process to see whether further action will be taken.
