Panthers coach notes team's depth is becoming younger

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary acknowledged that his team's depth is getting younger after their 30-24 loss to the Storm. This defeat leaves the Panthers with a record of 1-2 for the season. During the game, star player Nathan Cleary suffered a concussion and will miss at least one more week. This injury adds to the challenge of replacing veteran player Jarome Luai, who has moved to another team. Coach Cleary noted that having younger players step up is a tough situation, especially early in the season. Cleary mentioned that while they have lost key players, gaining experience during tough matches can help the younger squad improve. He expressed optimism about Nathan’s condition, noting that early signs were encouraging. Despite trailing by 14 points, the Panthers showed determination, even taking the lead at one point. Coach Cleary praised his team’s bravery and effort in the face of adversity, highlighting their fight against a strong opponent. Panthers captain Isaah Yeo shared his pride in how the team responded after Nathan’s injury. He emphasized the importance of facing challenges and maintaining confidence for the rest of the season. Winger Brian To'o led the efforts with impressive performance, scoring two tries. The Panthers remain hopeful about bouncing back as they look ahead to upcoming games.