Despite a dominant season in 2020 falling only six points short of a Grand Final triumph, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says his side is better equipped to challenge for the premiership in 2021.
Speaking to Andrew Voss on SEN 1170 Breakfast, Cleary believes his side has more confidence in their system compared to 12 months ago when they began their run as top contenders.
“Our program is only two years in the making, and 12 months ago it was only one year in the making,” Cleary said.
“There was a lot of things from the 2019 season that we felt we needed to improve (in 2020), but to put that program together and believe in it and know that it actually works, that gives everyone a level of confidence.”
In addition to increased confidence, Cleary says his side might even be hungrier to go one better in 2021 after how close they came to being crowned champions last year.
“I think the hunger, although it’s hard to say, might be even stronger with the boys,” he added.
“All in all, it feels not too different, but I think there’s a level of confidence that you achieve from going through what we went through last year.”
While the 49-year-old is bullish on his side’s prospects, he will be without first choice centre Brent Naden for the first four rounds of the season, due to a club imposed suspension for a positive test to cocaine after the 2020 Grand Final.
Cleary told Voss that while the club’s main concern was Naden’s welfare, he must earn back the trust of his teammates to make amends.
“The most important thing for us was Brent’s welfare, but I think it’s fairly obvious that he wasn’t thinking clearly at the time,” Cleary said.
“He’s gone through his rehab process and he has come back in really good nick.
“But yes, I think there is definitely a level of trust that has to be earnt back.”
The Panthers open up their 2020 campaign on Saturday, March 13 against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Listen to Ivan’s full chat with Vossy below.
