In the aftermath of a bruising defeat in Bathurst, Penrith Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny and head coach Ivan Cleary took the rare and commendable step of facing the media with complete accountability. The reigning NRL powerhouse was outplayed and outmaneuvered in a game that has left fans and critics questioning the consistency and focus of a side accustomed to dominance. But rather than offering excuses, both Kenny and Cleary faced the music, taking ownership of a loss that many believe could serve as a turning point in the Panthers’ 2025 campaign.
The defeat itself was a stark contrast to the composed and ruthless Panthers outfit that fans have grown accustomed to over the past few seasons. Facing a resurgent opposition in Bathurst, Penrith struggled to execute basic fundamentals. Passes went astray, defensive lapses were frequent, and discipline evaporated at key moments. While the scoreboard told a painful story, it was the post-match press conference that provided the most telling insight into the Panthers’ camp.
Mitch Kenny, known for his tireless work rate and leadership around the ruck, didn’t hide behind clichés or point fingers. “We didn’t respect the game enough today,” Kenny said with a tone of frustration mixed with reflection. “That’s on us, on me. I didn’t lead the way I should have. We let ourselves down, and we let the fans down.”
The significance of Kenny’s words wasn’t just in the admission of fault, but in the raw honesty of his delivery. For a side that has become synonymous with winning, a loss like this could have been brushed aside with a “bad day at the office” excuse. But Kenny’s willingness to accept responsibility underscored a broader cultural strength within the club — one that refuses to tolerate mediocrity, even for a single round.
Ivan Cleary, typically measured and composed, was equally transparent. “We were poor — there’s no sugarcoating it,” he said. “That starts with me. Preparation wasn’t good enough. Execution wasn’t good enough. And that’s a direct reflection of the standards I set. We’ll wear this one.”
Cleary’s accountability is nothing new for those who have followed his coaching career, but his sharp tone suggested that this loss carried extra weight. With expectations sky-high for a side chasing a fourth straight premiership, any sign of slippage — mental or physical — triggers alarm bells. Cleary didn’t dismiss those concerns. Instead, he embraced the criticism as both fair and necessary.
“You don’t get to where we’ve been the last few years without being honest after games like that. There’s no hiding from it. If you try to sweep it under the rug, that’s when cracks start to form,” Cleary added. His words may have stung, but they resonated with a fanbase that demands both excellence and honesty.
While Kenny and Cleary were the faces at the mic, the message extended to the entire squad. Senior players like Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Dylan Edwards were reportedly vocal behind closed doors, urging the group to see the defeat not as a disaster, but as a necessary wake-up call. The locker room, sources suggest, was somber but unified — disappointed, but not divided.
Kenny went further, detailing the breakdowns that plagued Penrith’s performance. “We were sloppy in contact, lost the middle, and gave away cheap ball. That’s not us. That’s not what we’re about. It starts with the spine — me, the halves, Dylan at the back. We didn’t take control, and that’s on us.”
That kind of self-analysis is what has set the Panthers apart in recent years. Many teams lose games — few are willing to diagnose their failures in real time with brutal honesty. For Penrith, that introspection has been as critical to their success as talent or tactics.
Cleary, meanwhile, acknowledged that while the loss was disappointing, it could prove invaluable in the long term. “You don’t win competitions in May, but you can lose direction if you’re not careful. Every season has a moment that defines how a group responds. This might be that moment.”
There’s a reason Cleary remains one of the most respected minds in rugby league. He understands that championship runs are rarely linear. Setbacks, if managed well, can sharpen focus and reignite hunger. The key, he stressed, is how the group reacts. “We’ll see what we’re made of over the next few weeks. Talk’s cheap — it’s about action now.”
Kenny echoed that sentiment, revealing that the playing group had already set plans in motion to address the issues internally. “We’re not waiting for Ivan to fix it — we’ve got leaders in this group. It starts Monday. We’ll own it, and we’ll fix it.”
The Panthers’ pathway forward includes a string of challenging fixtures, and the response to this Bathurst blip could shape their trajectory in a congested ladder. With every side gunning for them, Penrith’s margin for error remains razor-thin.
Still, the sight of both player and coach fronting up post-game, taking responsibility rather than deflecting blame, reminded fans why this club has built a legacy of excellence. It’s not about avoiding failure — it’s about owning it, learning from it, and using it as fuel.
For supporters, the honesty on display provided a measure of reassurance. While the loss stung, the culture remains intact. The same culture that built a dynasty — one forged in accountability, self-reflection, and a relentless desire to improve.
As the press conference concluded, there were no dramatics. No shouting, no finger-pointing. Just two men — one in boots, one in a headset — accepting blame with clarity and conviction. In a sport often ruled by ego and excuses, that kind of leadership remains rare and powerful.
The Bathurst defeat may have rocked the Panthers’ short-term momentum, but in the long run, it may serve a greater purpose. A cold splash of reality. A reminder that greatness isn’t inherited — it’s earned, every week, every set, every tackle.
And if Mitch Kenny and Ivan Cleary’s words are any indication, Penrith is more than ready to earn it all over again.
