Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has voiced his unwavering confidence that his side will bounce back after a string of underwhelming performances raised questions about the reigning premiers' form. Despite a recent loss that has pundits murmuring about cracks in the Panthers' dominance, Cleary insists the squad’s foundation remains rock-solid. “Every team hits a patch. Ours just happens to be now,” Cleary told reporters following the defeat. “What matters is how we respond — and I’ve got no doubt we’ll come out stronger.” The coach was calm, measured, and defiant, backing the club's systems, leadership, and resilience built over years of success. Penrith's recent slump has seen them drop crucial points, sparking chatter about fatigue, form dips, and even complacency. With injuries adding to the mix, some critics have suggested the Panthers may finally be showing signs of burnout after three consecutive Grand Final appearances. But Cleary dismissed those claims as premature and reactionary. “We’ve built a culture here that doesn’t fold after one or two setbacks,” he said. “The effort’s still there, the intent is there. We just need to clean up some execution.” That message was echoed by senior players this week, who insisted the mood inside the camp remains focused and far from panicked. Key to the Panthers’ recovery will be the return of several injured stars, whose absence has been felt in recent weeks. Cleary remained tight-lipped on specific return dates but hinted that reinforcements are not far away. The timing could be perfect, with a tough run of fixtures looming — a stretch that could define their season. Fans, while frustrated, haven’t abandoned belief. Social media has seen a mix of concern and loyalty, with many pointing out that this isn’t the first time Penrith has faced adversity. The Panthers have built a reputation not just as winners, but as fighters — and few are betting against them rediscovering their bite. As the NRL season rolls on, all eyes will be on how the Panthers respond. For Cleary, though, there’s no panic. Just the quiet confidence of a coach who’s been here before, who knows his side’s character — and who firmly believes the bounce back is coming.