On Monday morning, as Nathan Cleary was seen at Panthers training, he was somewhat eclipsed by a special visit from the Fox sisters. Jess and Noemie Fox, renowned athletes and dedicated supporters of the Penrith Panthers, stopped by to offer their support and share their recent Olympic successes.
The Panthers have amassed a significant amount of silverware over recent years, with their trophy cabinet brimming, but they gladly made room for the Fox sisters and their gold medals. This visit came at a time when the three-time defending champions were grappling with recent challenges. The sisters, who had shone at the Olympics, offered a fresh perspective and motivation to the team as they prepared for the upcoming finals.
The Fox sisters’ visit was a much-needed morale booster for the Panthers. They shared their experiences not only from the recent Olympic Games but also from their broader athletic careers. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary appreciated their presence, noting that their stories and the gold medals they brought were inspiring. Cleary highlighted that the discussion was particularly valuable in terms of preparation and dealing with adversity, which is a significant part of professional sports.
The Panthers have faced some difficulties recently, including a surprising defeat to Canberra that dropped them to fourth place on the ladder—their lowest ranking since round 7. With Nathan Cleary still sidelined and possibly out for the remainder of the regular season, and Jack Cole facing an uncertain future after an injury, the team’s situation is challenging.
Historically, no team that has finished fourth in the current finals format has gone on to win the title, with the 2009 Melbourne Storm being the only team to achieve this feat—though their title was later stripped due to salary cap violations. However, teams like the Wests Tigers in 2005 and the 2002 Roosters have managed to win from this position. The Panthers, with their talent and belief, still have a chance to defy this trend, particularly if they can capitalize on a favorable draw and potential player returns in the coming weeks.
Despite their current ranking, there is still hope for the Panthers to climb the ladder if other teams like the Roosters or Sharks falter. The team remains determined to improve and tackle the challenges ahead. Cleary emphasized the need for his side to elevate their performance and resolve if they are to contend for the title once more. He acknowledged that recent performances have not been up to par and stressed the importance of being prepared to endure the necessary sacrifices to achieve success.
In summary, the visit from the Fox sisters served as a motivational boost for the Panthers, who are dealing with a series of setbacks as they head into the finals. With a mixture of challenges and opportunities ahead, the team’s focus remains on improving their game and staying competitive in their quest for a fourth consecutive premiership.
