Cleary Accused of Making a “Mockery” of Rugby League as NRL Finals Fixtures Take Shape

Cleary Accused of Making a “Mockery” of Rugby League as NRL Finals Fixtures Take Shape

As the 2025 NRL season barrels toward its finals series, few headlines have generated as much heat as Ivan Cleary’s decision to rest 16 first-grade players for the Penrith Panthers’ clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs. The move, which left the reigning premiers fielding what many described as a “reserve-grade outfit,” has sparked outrage across the league, with rival clubs and commentators accusing Cleary of disrespecting the competition at a pivotal moment.

A Controversial Call

With Penrith’s top-four spot already secured, Cleary opted to protect his key stars from injury by sitting them out of last weekend’s matchup. The decision saw a dramatically weakened Panthers lineup fall 34–10 to the Bulldogs—a result that significantly influenced the race for the final playoff positions.

Critics argue the move has undermined the integrity of the competition, giving Canterbury an advantage in a game that had major implications for other finals contenders like the Dolphins, Sea Eagles, and Roosters.

“This isn’t just about Penrith,” one rival coach said anonymously. “When you rest 16 players, you’re not only forfeiting your own competitive edge—you’re tilting the balance of the finals race. That’s not in the spirit of fair competition.”

Backlash From Rival Clubs

The loudest criticism has come from teams still scrambling to secure a finals berth. The Dolphins, currently on the cusp of qualification, were left fuming as Canterbury’s win kept their own playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Similarly, the Roosters and Sea Eagles—locked in a tight battle for the last finals spot—publicly questioned the fairness of Penrith’s approach.

Rugby league pundit Phil Gould didn’t mince words on television commentary:

> “This is a disgrace. Ivan Cleary has made a mockery of the NRL. Fans pay their money, sponsors invest heavily, and then they’re served a glorified training run. The finals should be earned on merit—not gifted because a top team decides to rest half their squad.”

Cleary Defends His Strategy

In the face of mounting criticism, Cleary stood firm, defending his right to manage his squad as he sees fit.

“My responsibility is to the Penrith Panthers,” Cleary told reporters post-match. “We’ve had a grueling season, and my job is to ensure this group is fresh, healthy, and ready for finals football. People can criticize, but our priority is winning another premiership.”

Cleary also pointed out that resting players ahead of finals is hardly unprecedented in professional sport, citing examples from both rugby league and other codes where coaches prioritize player welfare over late-season fixtures.

“You can’t talk about player safety all year and then criticize us for protecting our players,” Cleary said. “We’ve got guys carrying niggles, others who have played huge minutes. It’s about balance.”

The Bigger Debate: Integrity vs. Player Welfare

The controversy has reignited a long-standing debate in rugby league circles: should coaches be allowed to rest en masse once finals positions are locked, or should the league step in to enforce stronger rules around squad rotation?

Some argue that without intervention, teams will continue to manipulate fixtures late in the season, undermining the competitive balance. Others, however, maintain that coaches must have autonomy to manage their squads as they see fit—especially with player welfare in mind.

Former Kangaroos star Billy Slater offered a more measured perspective:

> “I understand the frustration from other clubs, but you’ve also got to look at it from Cleary’s point of view. He’s chasing a fifth straight premiership. If resting players helps them achieve that, how can you blame him? The issue isn’t Penrith—it’s the system that allows this to happen.”

Fans Left Divided

For the fans, the response has been equally polarized. Many Penrith supporters backed Cleary’s decision, emphasizing the long-term goal of adding another trophy to the club’s dynasty.

“Winning premierships is what matters,” one fan wrote on social media. “If resting players now means we’re stronger in finals, I’m all for it.”

Others, however, expressed disappointment at paying full ticket prices only to see a second-string lineup.

“Imagine paying your hard-earned money to watch your team, and then you get 16 reserves,” another fan lamented. “It’s not fair to supporters.”

NRL Response

So far, the NRL has stopped short of sanctioning Cleary or the Panthers, but league officials acknowledged the controversy and suggested the issue may be revisited in offseason discussions.

“We’ll review the situation once the season concludes,” an NRL spokesperson said. “The integrity of the competition is paramount, but so is player welfare. We’ll explore whether further guidelines are necessary to ensure balance.”

Looking Ahead

For all the noise, the Panthers remain focused on their mission: becoming the first side in the modern era to secure five consecutive premierships. Cleary’s gamble may pay off handsomely if Penrith storm into the finals with a fully refreshed squad.

Still, the backlash serves as a reminder that dynasties often bring scrutiny alongside success. Whether Cleary’s decision is remembered as shrewd management or a blemish on Penrith’s legacy will depend largely on how the Panthers perform in the weeks to come.

For now, the debate rages: did Ivan Cleary outsmart the competition, or did he truly make a mockery of rugby league?