LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Panthers suffered a blow as they lost player Matt Cleary during a Grand Final rematch against the Storm.
Despite a competitive effort from the Panthers, the Storm emerged victorious in the highly anticipated game.
Cleary's absence was felt by the team, as he was unable to contribute to the game due to injury.
According to espn.com.au, Cleary's injury occurred early in the match, forcing him to leave the field and putting additional pressure on the Panthers.
The Storm took advantage of Cleary's absence and capitalized on their opportunities, ultimately securing the win.
The Panthers put up a strong fight, with coach Ivan Cleary acknowledging the efforts of his players despite the loss.
He praised the team for their resilience and hard work, noting that they gave it their all despite the challenges they faced.
Ivan Cleary expressed disappointment over his son Matt's injury, stating, "It's tough to lose a player of Matt's caliber in such an important match.
He is a key player for us, and his absence was definitely felt on the field."
Despite the setback, the Panthers remain optimistic about their performance this season and are determined to bounce back from the defeat.
Ivan Cleary emphasized the need to regroup and focus on the upcoming games, highlighting the team's determination to improve and learn from their mistakes.
Overall, the Grand Final rematch between the Panthers and the Storm was a highly competitive and intense game.
The Storm emerged victorious, showcasing their strength and resilience on the field.
The Panthers, on the other hand, faced challenges with the loss of Matt Cleary but put up a commendable effort against their formidable opponents.
Moving forward, the Panthers will look to regroup and come back stronger in their future matches.
Despite the loss, the team remains united and determined to continue their pursuit of success in the league.
The upcoming games will present new opportunities for the Panthers to showcase their talent and make a comeback after the disappointing result in the Grand Final rematch.