Cleary wary of wounded Titans

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.
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The Penrith Panthers will look to continue their undefeated start to the 2022 NRL Premiership, when they clash against the Gold Coast Titans in tomorrow nights match.

Coach Ivan Cleary has warned his side to not allow complacency to creep into tomorrow night’s game and said the team is aware of the threats that the Titans possess.

“[The Titans] will be keen to bounce back from their performance last week,” said Cleary.

“They’ve got a lot of good players, threats right across the field. It’s going to be a tough game.”

The Panthers are coming off a short week, where they beat the Canberra Raiders 36-6 just five days a go.

Although the Panthers have had less training sessions and are taking a different preparation ahead of tomorrow night’s game, Cleary claims he isn’t worried about the short turn around.

“We’ve had a five day turn around against the Broncos a couple of weeks ago, so we’ve got the system already fresh in our minds,” said Cleary.

Cleary also wants to see his side improve upon their opening half, following last week’s game.

“I thought we started okay, I feel like we are more capable than that,” said Cleary.

“I thought the rest of the game was better.”

It will also be the team’s first trip out of the state of New South Wales this year.

“It’s been a while since we’ve done it,” said Cleary.

“It’s also an opportunity for growth for some of our young guys.”

Panthers fans can expect Brian To’o to be back in the squad soon, with Cleary hinting that the winger could make a return as early as next week.

“Brian’s going well, he’s training with the team now and he’s a chance for next week,” said Cleary.

The Panthers winger has not played since Round 2 of the 2022 NRL Premiership.


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