Panthers Fans in Uproar as Ivan Cleary Slammed Over Shock Call to Cut Unsung Hero

Panthers Fans in Uproar as Ivan Cleary Slammed Over Shock Call to Cut Unsung Hero

Panthers fans are calling on the NRL club to backflip on a decision not to offer Daine Laurie a new contract for 2026 after a gallant display in Penrith’s loss to the Bulldogs on Thursday night. Laurie was one of 16 new faces in the Panthers’ side after Ivan Cleary opted to rest the majority of his first-grade team ahead of the finals.

Playing fullback in place of NSW and Kangaroos star Dylan Edwards, Laurie was arguably Penrith’s best in the 28-4 loss. The 26-year-old saved a try with a brilliant tackle on Connor Tracey over the line, before a stunning cut-out pass in the second half for the Panthers’ lone four-pointer.

The fullback was also denied a try by the Bunker, and had a line-break, four tackle-breaks and a line-break assist. The performance left Panthers fans singing his praises, with many urging the club to re-think a decision to cut ties with him for next season.

Laurie has been at the Panthers since the start of 2024, and filled in admirably whenever required. He’s usually been used whenever Edwards is out, but has also played on the wing and off the interchange bench.

He’s one of a number of fringe first-graders who’ve reportedly been told by the Panthers they’re free to find a new club for 2026. Of the 17 who played on Thursday night, the majority have either signed elsewhere for next season or are unlikely to be offered a new deal.

Brad Schneider has already signed with the Dolphins, while Mavrik Geyer will head to the Wests Tigers. The likes of Laurie, Soni Luke, Austin Dias, Zac Lipowicz, Riley Price and Luke Sommerton are all out of contract and likely to depart in the off-season.

Daine Laurie hopeful of Panthers changing their minds

Laurie’s dream is to play fullback on a weekly basis in the NRL, and he knows that’s unlikely at the Panthers. “That’s definitely the goal. It’s obviously hard (to achieve that) sitting behind Dyl (Edwards),” he said after Thursday night’s game. “Every time I get an opportunity, I try and put my best foot forward.”

Laurie debuted for the Panthers in 2020 before a three-year stint at the Wests Tigers from 2021 to 2023. He’s played 74 first-grade games to date, but has never cemented his place at NRL level.

“I’m just going to take it day-by-day,” he said of his future. “My manager is going to sort all that stuff out. I’m just going to rip in for the Panthers and hopefully they can give me one more year.”

If Laurie were to leave the Panthers, the Cronulla Sharks are the only NRL club whose first-choice fullback remains unsigned beyond 2025. Sharks officials baulked at the asking price from Will Kennedy’s management earlier in the season, but believe an extension could still be arranged in the off-season.