Penrith’s season has reached a new low with the side on track to finish the round in last place after a 30-10 loss to the Warriors at Panthers Stadium.
Coach Ivan Cleary’s shake-up of the team during the week failed to achieve the desired result with Penrith again producing a performance devoid of enthusiasm and discipline.
The Panthers missed 52 tackles and never really looked threatening against a Warriors side that was in front 14-0 at half-time.
Incredibly Penrith had more possession than the Warriors but again looked unsure what to do when on the attack.
A disappointed Cleary said he was still searching for answers.
“It’s there for all to see. We were beaten in most areas throughout the game. That’s where it’s at,” he said.
“One thing leads to another… what could go wrong does go wrong. I don’t have all the answers for sure, but we’re working away in the background.”
Cleary said confidence had reached “rock bottom”.
“We have to come together as a team at some point. That’s the crucial thing at the moment – that we actually come together as a team because right now we’re not,” he said.
“Tonight showed that we’re definitely low on confidence… we just can’t seem to kick on and get that little boost.
“It’s tough times certainly but these times offer opportunities for everyone to step up and press forward.”
The Panthers play Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium next Thursday night.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
