Ivan Cleary focused on Storm clash after shock Roosters loss

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is fully focused on this Thursday’s NRL blockbuster against Melbourne and has no interest in talking about his side’s loss to the Roosters in Round 2.

Penrith were enormous favourites at $1.10 to win last Friday’s clash, with top online bookies pricing the Roosters at long odds of $7.50.

But Sydney pulled off one of the great upsets in recent years, bucking a run of 10 consecutive losses against the Panthers to prevail 38-32 at CommBank Stadium.

“I’ve moved on from last week,” a frosty Cleary said on Tuesday.

“I’d rather not talk about it. I said what I said after the game.

“You get over it and move on and obviously we’ve got plenty on our plate this week so we look forward to that challenge.

“I get it. I get what people might be thinking, but at the end of the day it’s not our job to worry about that.”

Now, the Panthers head to AAMI Park for a rematch of last year’s grand final against the Melbourne Storm, who are $3.75 favourites to win the 2025 NRL Premiership at Bet365.

“This is a great test, undoubtedly,” Cleary said.

“A good chance to see where we’re at and just enjoy the challenge of such a big game against a great opponent.

“We’ve just got to focus on our own self and what drives us right now.

“It’s just putting on a good performance this week.”

There is plenty of history between the Panthers and Storm, with Melbourne’s victory in the 2020 grand final sparking Penrith’s run of four titles between 2021 and 2024.

“Yeah, it’s a different motivation, I suppose,” Cleary said of how Melbourne will be approaching the game on Thursday.

“But everyone’s got their own hunger and their own motivation, so I can’t really talk for the Storm.”

Rugby league bookmakers are firmly favouring the Storm in the opening match of Round 3.

Craig Bellamy’s men — fresh off a Round 2 bye — are paying $1.35 to win at Dabble, with Penrith returning $3.25.

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