NRL news: Ivan Cleary, Tigers fans chanting, video, Panthers result, coach

If there was any doubt how Wests Tigers fans feel about Ivan Cleary… they put it to bed on Friday night.

The Penrith coach was copping it from all angles at Leichhardt Oval as his previously unbeaten side fell to a 26-6 loss to the lowly Tigers.

Cleary coached the Concord club before breaking his contract to jump ship at the end of 2018 and join the Panthers, who he led to last year’s grand final and 27 consecutive regular-season wins.

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His famous catchphrase while at the Tigers was “on the bus” but he jumped off it after only one season, leaving a sour taste with many diehard orange and black fanatics.

When the Panthers beat the Tigers last year Cleary was seen blowing a kiss to enraged fans in the crowd.

On Friday night, however, the fans got their revenge.

The crowd was heard chanting, “Cleary’s a w***ker” as the full-time siren sounded, and journalists at the ground confirmed it was a hostile reception for Cleary in his coaches box.

Biff sparks funny ref chat | 01:19

He was later asked about copping it from Tigers fans.

“I didn’t really notice,” Cleary responded with a wry smile to media.

The Panthers and Tigers meet again in Round 24, this time out at Penrith’s home ground.

It will be intriguing to see if Cleary, or the fans, get the last laugh.

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Panthers coach Ivan Cleary blows a kiss to fans after his side beat the Wests Tigers during season 2020.Source: Supplied Liddle races the length of the field! | 00:32