UNBELIEVABLE: Ivan Cleary has publicly clarified why Nathan Cleary and Mitch Kenny will miss the clash between Dolphins and Penrith Panthers…

Ivan Cleary regarding the Penrith Panthers’ round 4–7 2026 NRL season, Nathan Cleary and Mitch Kenny are missing matches due to separate issues, specifically a suspension for Kenny and ongoing management for Nathan Cleary. 

• Mitch Kenny is missing games due to a one-match suspension for a Grade 2 dangerous contact charge. Ivan Cleary clarified that while Kenny was sin-binned and banned for a tackle on Parramatta’s Isaiah Iongi in Round 4 (2026), he did not believe it was a true “hip-drop” tackle. However, with a high likelihood of a failed challenge, the club accepted the ban.
• Nathan Cleary has faced issues with team continuity in early 2026, often listed with, or in the context of, injuries and suspensions to key players, including a season-long reliance on managing his fitness to ensure his availability for major matches.

Ivan Cleary has publicly clarified why Nathan Cleary and Mitch Kenny will miss the clash between the Penrith Panthers and the Dolphins, pointing to a combination of player welfare and team strategy.

One of the key reasons is injury management and recovery. Cleary emphasized that both players have been dealing with minor physical concerns that, while not severe, require careful monitoring. Rather than risk aggravating these issues in a high-intensity match, the coaching staff decided it would be wiser to give them additional time to rest and fully recover.

This approach reflects the club’s long-term mindset, especially given the demanding nature of the NRL season, where maintaining player fitness is crucial for sustained success.

The second reason relates to squad rotation and strategic planning. With a deep and capable roster, Cleary noted the importance of giving other players an opportunity to step up and gain valuable match experience.

Resting key figures like Nathan Cleary and Mitch Kenny allows the team to test its depth and maintain freshness among its core players. It also ensures that the squad remains competitive across the season, particularly in crucial fixtures later on.