Panthers, Tigers war

NO one wants to talk about the feud that is simmering ahead of tonight’s grudge match between Penrith and Wests Tigers but there is plenty of bad blood between Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and the club he walked out on.

Tigers enforcer Russell Packer and Cleary’s former chief executive and close mate Justin Pascoe were the two most hurt by the exit of their former coach.

Packer “did blow up” at a meeting Cleary had with his leadership group before he departed. Cleary’s friendship with Pascoe is also in tatters.

The two have apparently not spoken since Cleary left, aside from a few text messages.