P̾R̾E̾S̾S̾ C̾O̾N̾F̾E̾R̾E̾N̾C̾E̾ 🎙️ I̾v̾a̾n̾ a̾n̾d̾ N̾a̾t̾h̾a̾n̾ C̾l̾e̾a̾r̾y̾ d̾i̾s̾c̾u̾s̾s̾ t̾h̾e̾ h̾e̾a̾r̾t̾b̾r̾e̾a̾k̾i̾n̾g̾ P̾r̾e̾l̾i̾m̾i̾n̾a̾r̾y̾ f̾i̾n̾a̾l̾ d̾e̾f̾e̾a̾t̾ t̾o̾ t̾h̾e̾ B̾r̾o̾n̾c̾o̾s̾.
🎙️ PRESS CONFERENCE: Ivan and Nathan Cleary Open Up on Heartbreaking Preliminary Final Defeat to the Broncos
The Penrith Panthers’ dynasty dream came crashing down in stunning fashion on Saturday night, as the Brisbane Broncos staged a ruthless display of power and precision to knock out the reigning premiers in the preliminary final. In front of a packed Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos rode the wave of home-crowd energy, sealing a historic return to the NRL Grand Final with a victory that sent shockwaves across rugby league.
For Penrith, the loss was devastating. It was more than just a scoreline—it felt like the shattering of a fairytale run that had defined modern rugby league. And in the aftermath, all eyes were on coach Ivan Cleary and star halfback Nathan Cleary, who fronted the media in a somber press conference that left fans reflecting not just on the match, but on the Panthers’ legacy.
Below is a detailed transcript-style breakdown and analysis of the press conference, capturing the raw emotions, tactical insights, and human side of Penrith’s loss.
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Opening Statement: Ivan Cleary Faces the Pain
Ivan Cleary entered the media room with the heavy look of a coach who has given his all. Shoulders slightly slumped, voice steady but subdued, he began by acknowledging the scale of the loss.
> Ivan Cleary:
“First of all, credit to Brisbane. They played an incredible game of footy tonight. They came with energy, discipline, and the kind of execution you need to win at this level. We were beaten by a team that deserved it. It hurts, but that’s sport. Sometimes it doesn’t go your way.”
His words set the tone—dignified, reflective, and respectful of the opposition. There was no excuse-making, no bitterness. Instead, Cleary spoke with the poise of a leader who understood both the cruelty and the beauty of rugby league.
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Nathan Cleary’s Early Reflections
Seated next to his father, Nathan Cleary looked visibly emotional. For a player so often praised for his composure, this was a rare moment of vulnerability. He rubbed his face, took a deep breath, and leaned into the microphone.
> Nathan Cleary:
“It’s heartbreaking, honestly. We wanted this so badly—for each other, for the fans, for the club. We’ve built something special over the last few years, and nights like this are hard to process. We gave everything, but in key moments, they just got the better of us.”
Nathan admitted the weight of expectation had been immense. Having carried Penrith to three consecutive grand finals and two premierships, he was candid about the sting of falling one step short.
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Key Talking Point 1: The Broncos’ Dominance
Reporters immediately pressed Ivan on the tactical side. How had the Panthers, usually so composed in big games, been rattled?
Ivan nodded slowly, choosing his words carefully.
> Ivan Cleary:
“Brisbane’s forward pack really set the tone. Their physicality through the middle gave them momentum. Once they had that, it freed up Reynolds and Walsh to play their game. We did our best to wrestle it back, but too often we were starting sets from deep in our own half. Against a team like that, it makes it very difficult.”
Nathan added his perspective from the halves:
> Nathan Cleary:
“They were winning the ruck, and once that happens, your kicking game is under pressure. I didn’t execute as well as I should have at times, and that’s on me. A few of my options weren’t the best, and Brisbane capitalised. They punished every mistake.”
The honesty was refreshing. Nathan, often hailed as one of the best halfbacks of his generation, refused to hide behind excuses. He owned the shortcomings, a mark of his leadership.
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Key Talking Point 2: Missed Opportunities
Several journalists asked about Penrith’s squandered chances—moments where dropped balls, penalties, or mistimed plays shifted momentum.
Ivan leaned forward:
> Ivan Cleary:
“That’s finals football. It’s about moments. We had chances, especially in the first half, to put pressure on them. But whether it was handling errors or discipline, we let them off the hook. Against a side like Brisbane, those missed opportunities come back to bite you. And they did tonight.”
Nathan’s body language showed the frustration of replaying those moments in his mind.
> Nathan Cleary:
“There were a couple of sets where we were on their line, and we just didn’t come up with the right plays. Finals footy is ruthless. If you don’t make it count, you pay. That’s probably what stings the most—we had chances, and we didn’t take them.”
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Key Talking Point 3: The Emotional Toll
The press conference wasn’t just about X’s and O’s—it was about emotions. One journalist asked Nathan how he personally was coping. The usually stoic halfback paused for a long moment before answering.
> Nathan Cleary:
“It’s tough, really tough. You dream of these moments, you work so hard for them, and when it doesn’t go your way, it’s heartbreaking. But I’m proud of the boys. We’ve given everything this year. It doesn’t take away the pain, but I know we’ll be stronger for it.”
Ivan placed a reassuring hand on Nathan’s shoulder at that moment—a rare, fatherly gesture in front of the cameras that reminded everyone this was more than just coach and player. It was family.
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The Future of the Panthers
Naturally, questions turned toward the future. Was this the end of the Penrith dynasty, or merely a stumble?
Ivan responded with conviction:
> Ivan Cleary:
“This isn’t the end. We’ve built something that goes beyond one game. Tonight hurts, but the culture, the standards, the unity we have—it’s strong. Losses like this test you, but they also shape you. We’ll learn, and we’ll come back.”
Nathan echoed the sentiment:
> Nathan Cleary:
“We’ll use this as fuel. The hunger doesn’t go away because of one loss. If anything, it grows. We’ll be back.”
The defiance in his tone hinted at a fire already burning for next season.
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Media Reaction Inside the Room
Journalists noted the contrast between the quiet heartbreak in the Panthers’ camp and the jubilant celebrations coming from the Broncos’ dressing room next door. The muffled sounds of cheering occasionally seeped into the press conference, amplifying the sting of defeat.
Yet Ivan and Nathan never once lashed out or deflected. Their composure drew respect. Even seasoned reporters, often quick to seek controversy, seemed subdued—acknowledging the gravity of the moment.
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Key Quotes That Stood Out
1. Ivan Cleary: “Sometimes sport doesn’t go your way. Tonight was one of those nights. But it doesn’t define us.”
2. Nathan Cleary: “It’s heartbreaking, but I’m proud of the boys. We’ll use this pain to come back stronger.”
3. Ivan Cleary: “We were beaten by a team that deserved it. Credit to Brisbane—they were outstanding.”
4. Nathan Cleary: “The hunger doesn’t go away because of one loss. If anything, it grows.”
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Analysis: What This Means for Penrith
The loss represents a shift in the NRL landscape. For three years, the Panthers have been the standard-setters—clinical, relentless, and dominant. But the Broncos’ victory suggests a changing of the guard may be underway.
Still, Penrith’s culture remains intact. With Nathan Cleary at the helm, and Ivan orchestrating from the sideline, this isn’t a team ready to collapse. Instead, this loss could serve as the catalyst for a reinvigorated push in 2026.
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Fans’ Reactions
Outside of the stadium, social media lit up with mixed emotions. Panthers fans expressed heartbreak, pride, and gratitude for the journey so far. Broncos supporters celebrated the triumph as the dawn of a new era.
One Panthers fan wrote: “Hurts so much, but this team has given us everything. Heads held high.”
Another commented: “Nathan is a champion. He’ll bounce back. The dynasty isn’t over—it’s just paused.”
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Closing Words from Ivan and Nathan
The press conference concluded with Ivan offering a final thought:
> Ivan Cleary:
“This one hurts, no doubt about it. But I couldn’t be prouder of this group. We’ll regroup, we’ll recover, and we’ll be back. That’s a promise.”
Nathan’s last words were equally powerful:
> Nathan Cleary:
“It’s tough to swallow right now, but we’ll keep fighting. That’s what Penrith is about.”
With that, the Clearys stood, exchanged a brief glance, and walked out of the room together. The cameras flashed, microphones lowered, and the reality of the loss settled in.
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Final Thoughts
The Broncos’ triumph was historic, but this press conference reminded everyone why the Panthers have earned so much respect. In defeat, Ivan and Nathan Cleary showed grace, honesty, and resilience.
Sport is cruel. But as the Panthers regroup, the rugby league world knows one thing: you can never count out Penrith.
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