In an unexpected turn of events, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has expressed a significant professional regret that has stunned both fans and pundits alike. Cleary recently admitted that trading rising star Isaiah Iongi may have been one of the biggest mistakes of his coaching career, even going as far as to suggest that the young talent had the potential to surpass his own son, Nathan Cleary, as the face of the franchise.
The Trade That Shook Penrith
Isaiah Iongi, a highly touted junior prospect, was once seen as a future cornerstone of the Panthers’ lineup. With his speed, agility, and game sense, Iongi had quickly become a standout in the Penrith system. However, in a move that now seems ill-advised, Iongi was traded in a deal designed to free up cap space and secure more experienced players for the Panthers’ championship pursuits.
At the time, the decision seemed sound. With Nathan Cleary firmly established as the team’s halfback and linchpin, there appeared to be little room for another emerging star in the same mold. Iongi’s departure was seen as a calculated risk, one that would help the Panthers build on their back-to-back premiership success.
Yet, just a few years later, Ivan Cleary’s outlook has shifted dramatically.
Ivan Cleary’s Confession: “Isaiah Could Have Been the Best”
In a recent interview, Cleary spoke candidly about his decision to trade Iongi and the lingering doubts that have haunted him ever since.
“Isaiah Iongi was special,” Cleary said. “He had this rare combination of skills that you don’t come across often. It’s one of those things where, looking back, I realize we might have traded away someone who could have been even better than Nathan.”
These are powerful words coming from Ivan Cleary, considering that Nathan Cleary is widely regarded as one of the best halfbacks in the NRL today. Nathan has led the Panthers to multiple premierships, earned representative honors for New South Wales, and captained his club to dominance in recent seasons. For his own father to suggest that anyone, let alone a former Panthers prospect, could have eclipsed his achievements is a testament to how highly Ivan Cleary rates Iongi’s potential.
“I don’t say this lightly,” Cleary continued. “Nathan’s a phenomenal player, but Isaiah had a natural flair, a feel for the game that was beyond his years. He could have been the best halfback in the world—maybe even better than Nathan.”
Iongi’s Growth Since the Trade
Since leaving Penrith, Isaiah Iongi has indeed blossomed. His performances at his new club have been nothing short of spectacular, and he has quickly established himself as one of the NRL’s brightest young stars. His ability to control the tempo of a game, combined with his sharp footwork and high rugby IQ, has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest halfbacks to ever play the game.
In hindsight, it’s easy to see why Ivan Cleary is now lamenting the decision. Iongi has shown an uncanny ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations, a trait that was evident even during his days in the Panthers’ junior ranks.
What Could Have Been
For Penrith fans, the thought of having Isaiah Iongi and Nathan Cleary in the same team is both tantalizing and bittersweet. The combination of their talents could have ushered in an era of unprecedented dominance for the Panthers. With Nathan’s disciplined, methodical approach and Iongi’s instinctive brilliance, the two could have formed a dynamic halves pairing that would have terrorized the NRL for years.
But as Ivan Cleary himself admits, that opportunity is now lost. “We’ll never know what might have been,” he said. “I can only look forward and try to make the best decisions for the team now. But there’s no doubt Isaiah Iongi is a player who got away.”
The Future of the Panthers
Despite the regret, Ivan Cleary remains focused on the future. The Panthers continue to be one of the NRL’s top sides, and Nathan Cleary is still in the prime of his career. However, the head coach’s candid admission about Iongi’s potential has sparked a wave of reflection among fans and analysts alike.
Could Isaiah Iongi have been the key to an even greater Penrith dynasty? It’s a question that may never have a definitive answer, but one thing is certain: Ivan Cleary’s words have cemented Iongi’s legacy as the one that got away.
As the NRL community watches Iongi’s continued rise, the sting of his departure will likely linger in Penrith for years to come.
