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Why the Clearys are behind hat-trick hero's late season resurgence
Charles Goodsir • September 22nd, 2025 1:02 pm
Penrith Panthers hat-trick hero Paul Alamoti has opened up about the honest conversations he held with coach Ivan Cleary which led to the 21-year-old being out of the starting side for a large chunk of the season.
After starring in Penrith’s 2024 Grand Final win, Alamoti lost his spot to Thomas Jenkins who proceeded to have a breakout year.
Despite a strong 2025 season, Cleary surprised many opted to select Alamoti in the elimination final against the Warriors over Jenkins. The selection has paid off as the Panthers will square off against the Brisbane Broncos in a preliminary final.
“I’m super grateful that Ivan Cleary believed in me,” Alamoti told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Particularly this late in the season, he has shuffled the team around.
“It was obviously a big call but he’s put his faith and trust in me.
“Ivan has allowed me to be myself and play.
“It’s certainly been a rollercoaster of a year. I had a few setbacks during that process but Ivan kept telling me to stay ready.
“I was looking for ways to get back into the team and it wasn’t a case of looking too far ahead.
“I just took every week on its own and tried to get the best out of it.
“Everything was going to take care of itself. That was my mindset during the middle part of the year.
“I found it tough but I just had to keep pushing through.”
The dominant win over the Bulldogs in the semi-final has set up a mouth-watering clash against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
It will be the first time the Broncos have faced Penrith in a finals match since the epic 2023 Grand Final which saw Nathan Cleary produce a comeback for the ages to secure the Panthers’ third consecutive title.
Alamoti told SEN that he is in constant awe of Nathan Cleary and doubts he will ever play alongside a better player during his career.
“It’s incredible,” Alamoti said.
“Playoing outside of him and honestly, I’m watching in amazement.
“Being able to witness it first hand (is unbelievable). His kicking game and composure as well.
“It’s no surprise with all the preparation he does during the week. Everyone knows how diligent he is.
“It’s a pinch-me moment to be able to play alongside him (and) I’m still learning from him each day.”
The Panthers can punch their ticket to a sixth Grand Final in as many years when they face the Broncos on Sunday.
