OPINION: The Panthers have cast themselves as the cat among the pigeons in the NRL coaching ranks, after punting Anthony Griffin just four weeks out from the finals.
But it's another big cat that needs to put up a fight. Speculation that the Panthers want to bring back Ivan Cleary should give his current club, Wests Tigers, major cause for concern.
The chance to link up with his son - Penrith star Nathan Cleary - could see Ivan request a compassionate release.
- Former Warriors prop Jacob Lillyman announces retirement
- Wayne Bennett looms among Penrith candidates
Don't do it, Tigers.
Don't let that family sway influence you to release Cleary Snr before his contract ends in 2020.
It's completely understandable Ivan and Nathan want to be at the same club, but if they want to reunite, why doesn't Nathan pull the pin at the Panthers?
He's off contract at the end of 2019 and Penrith boss Phil Gould has said he wouldn't stand in the way of them being together (a clever seed planted by 'Gus' to humanise any future poaching mission).
The rationale behind luring Ivan back to the Blue Mountains is simple. If Nathan is desperate to play for his father, there are only two options for the Panthers - let him go or bring his dad to him.
Cleary is a young man any club would want to build a team around, so clearly the Clearys are worth the punt.
Take it from someone who's seen the impact of Ivan Cleary's departure on the Warriors. He was under contract for 2012, but not only did the club decide against matching the Panthers big money offer, it allowed him out of his deal a year early.
This was definitely a kind-hearted decision to let Cleary do what's best for his family and career, but that charitable attitude set the Warriors back and they're only just recovering seven years on.
The Tigers should not make the same mistake.
This is the team that Ivan built - the recruitment of Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds.
The promotion of Corey Thompson, Esan Marsters and Matt Eisenthuth, not to mention the return of favourite sons Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.
It all happened under Ivan's watch, after the team was at a low ebb. What message does it send to those players, if the man they all follow jumps ship halfway through the plan?
Cleary famously referred to wanting the players and team to be "on the bus". Surely the driver's not allowed to get off early?
Also, I can't understand why Ivan Cleary would go back. He did a ton of work rebuilding the Panthers, only to be caught off-guard with a surprise sacking from Gould to bring in Griffin.
Given that move and the cut-throat nature of this latest development, why would you put yourself back in that situation?
So let the rest of them fight it out.
Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould at the same club? That's a soap opera anyone would enjoy watching.
Everyone who's held a coaching post in the past - or hopes to - will be linked to the role, including recently appointed Kiwis coach Michael Maguire.
Which reminds me… NZRL, don't do it.
Sam Ackerman is Newshub head of sport.
