Cleary facing sanctions over referee comments

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary doesn't want his players to shy away from their achievements after securing their eighth win on the trot with a club record nine in sight next week against the Warriors.

Rather than telling his players to keep a lid on their efforts – a common trend in world sport – Cleary insists their performances should be celebrated after equalling the mark of eight straight set in the premiership year of 2003.

The Panthers' 11th win of the season was their fourth against last year's top-four sides, highlighting no concerns around whether they can match it with the heavyweights during the 2020 finals series in October.

However, he could face a fine from the NRL after his post-match comments about the referees in which he said it felt like Canberra "were being managed back into the game. That's all I can say … some really strange calls."

Cleary's post-match comments around the match officiating in the second half have come under scrutiny.

He added the squad would be better for the experiences of handling adversity in the coming weeks after a couple of calls that went the Raiders' way left him unimpressed.

The Raiders were awarded a try to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad after referee Gerard Sutton sent the effort upstairs to the NRL Bunker as a try – insufficient evidence suggesting the ball may had been held up.

Only minutes earlier, Liam Martin was penalised for a second effort on Jordan Rapana as he went into touch after the Raiders challenged the call.

Later, Rapana then escaped a late flopping effort on Josh Mansour that was judged a six-again call, rather than a penalty for foul play.

"It felt like they (the Raiders) were being managed back into the game," Cleary said.

"That's all I can say … some really strange calls. But it gave us the opportunity to continue through the 80 minutes we had to and in the end that will only serve us well down the track.

"That's the sign of maturity and confidence, things are going to go against us – we discussed that this week – it's not always going to be perfect. That will help us rather than hinder us.

"Every experience helps you. The more games you play and playing against different teams, different circumstances and different conditions – it's only going to help you."

ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys told AAP on Sunday that Cleary's comments were "deplorable".

"There has to be a financial deterrent for it. You can't question people's integrity, no matter what. What he did yesterday is one of the most disappointing things I have seen while chairman," he said.

"This was straight to the integrity of the referee. 

"If anyone thinks the NRL is going to tolerate their employees being abused like that, they've got something coming."

On the field, it's been an enormous turnaround for Cleary and his men after the club sat in 14th position at the same time of the season last year.

"I'm happy for the team to get some credit for sure, I think they deserve it," Cleary said.

"We're just enjoying each week, enjoying training and being around each other … obviously in good form.

"I don't like using the word surprising because I watch how they train every day and how much work they put in through the pre-season and COVID-19 break.

"They work so hard and are working hard together which helps with young guys helping each other – I think that's our biggest strength."

Cleary indicated Dylan Edwards is likely to return from a hamstring injury against the Warriors, while a decision will be made on whether to recall Jack Hetherington after the prop attracted a possible five-week ban for a high tackle on Martin Taupau.