Cleary bemoans ‘shambles’ half amid huge penalty count

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has bemoaned the “stop-start” nature of his side’s win over the Rabbitohs after 21 penalties were blown.
Penrith returned to form after a shock loss to the Raiders but still didn’t look at their best as they search for a fourth-straight premiership.
Post-game, Cleary was less than impressed with the pace of the match in the second half, which included two pitch invaders.
READ MORE: Teenage Aussie sprint sensation stuns world again
READ MORE: ‘Not good for tennis’: Former No.1 quits after three points
READ MORE: Bottle thrower banned for life after ‘disgraceful’ act
“The second half was a bit of a shambles, it started well but then the game was so stop-start, it was dragging on forever that second half,” he said in his press conference.
Ivan Cleary wasn’t impressed with the stop-start nature of the second half.  Nine
“There was like over 20 penalties tonight, it takes so long to get anything done. Bunker decisions and whatever.
“No wonder people started running on the field, must’ve sold a few beers tonight,” he added with a laugh.
Penrith were on the receiving end of 10 penalties against them throughout the match, with the Rabbitohs copping the 11.
Panthers captain Isaah Yeo conceded there needed to be better discipline but did describe what was happening as “frustrating”.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. 
“The ref was obviously seeing the game differently to what the feel was at times but I don’t think the players were helping with that either, there was a lot of forward passes, knock ons, things like that,” he said.
With finals ahead, Cleary was asked whether the pace of the game needs to be addressed, to which he agreed while putting his hand in his head.
“Rugby league’s a free flowing game, that’s what we all want, that’s what every fan wants,” he said.
“I just think we’re hopefully trying to find that.
“I don’t see discipline being that bad … Bunker decisions seem to take forever, I don’t know. I haven’t got the answer, well I have put I’m not going to say it. I actually don’t have it.”