Sam McKendry of the Panthers tackles Jamal Idris of the Bulldogs. Photo / Getty Images
Panthers 20 Bulldogs 6
On this evidence, it won't be so terrible for Ivan.
Penrith showed that incoming coach Cleary will have plenty of raw material to work with in 2012, continuing their mini-revival with another encouraging performance.
After a horrible start to their season - which led to the
sacking of Matthew Elliot - the West Sydney team are now on the cusp of the eight, having won four of their last five matches.
It was a depleted Panthers side, missing Origin stars Petero Civoniceva, Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings, but their replacements shone. In contrast the Bulldogs looked disorganised without their talismanic hooker Michael Ennis.
Penrith seemed more urgent from the first whistle, convincingly winning the yardage battle. The Bulldogs failed to provide much of an attacking threat, with only occasional sparks from Ben Barba and Jamal Idris.
This result continued the recent dominance of the "chocolate soldiers" over the Bulldogs, having now won nine of the last 12 clashes.
Cleary will inherit a team that attacks in layers, with a multitude of dummy runners and set plays.
He will enjoy the chance to coach Luke Walsh - a halfback that can guide a team round the park, has a superb kicking game and also provides an attacking threat on his own.
It is the ideal combination in a number 7, one that Cleary has struggled to develop or recruit during his time at Mt Smart Stadium, with players like Grant Rovelli, Michael Witt, Nathan Fien, Brett Seymour and Lance Hohaia never quite able to consistently provide the all round package.
A fortunate bounce from a Walsh chip saw Adrian Purtnell over beside the posts in the 17th minute. The home side extended their lead through Travis Burns eight minutes later when the standoff leapt highest to secure a precise Walsh chip.
With 20 minutes on the clock, Burns sealed the result with his second try from yet another Walsh bomb. Of the Kiwis, Ben Roberts worked hard for the Bulldogs, but Frank Pritchard didn't have the big game many tipped in his first encounter against his former club.
Panthers 20 (A. Purtnell, T. Burns 2 tries; T. Burns 4 goals) Bulldogs 6 (J. Idris try; S. Turner goal) Halftime: 12-0
