Ivan Cleary Announces Retirement from Penrith Panthers: A New Chapter for the Coach and Club
In a shock announcement that has left the rugby league world in disbelief, Ivan Cleary, the highly successful coach of the Penrith Panthers, revealed that he will be stepping down from his role and retiring from coaching at the end of this week. Cleary, who has been at the helm of the Panthers since 2018, has led the team to remarkable success, including multiple NRL Premierships and a dominant era of rugby league that will be remembered for years to come. His retirement marks the end of an era at Penrith, and the rugby league community is now bracing for the impact of his departure.
The news of Cleary’s retirement was confirmed during a heartfelt press conference where the 52-year-old coach spoke candidly about the decision. “This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. I’ve loved every moment of my time with the Panthers and am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team,” Cleary said, his voice emotional but steady. “But after careful consideration, I feel it’s time for me to step back and allow someone else to take the reins. My family and I have discussed it thoroughly, and I believe this is the right time for a new chapter, both for myself and for the club.”
Cleary’s tenure with the Panthers has been nothing short of extraordinary. Under his guidance, Penrith has become a powerhouse in the NRL, winning back-to-back Premierships in 2021 and 2022, and consistently competing for top honors. Known for his tactical acumen, meticulous planning, and ability to develop young talent, Cleary has built a legacy at Penrith that will be difficult to surpass.
However, despite the club’s sustained success, Cleary hinted that the decision to retire was driven by a combination of personal factors and the desire for a fresh challenge. “I’ve given everything to this club, and I’m at peace with the decision. Coaching is incredibly demanding, and it’s important to know when it’s time to step away,” he added.
The Panthers’ players, many of whom have played under Cleary since his arrival, were visibly emotional following the announcement. Star players like Nathan Cleary (Ivan’s son), Jarome Luai, and James Fisher-Harris have all expressed their gratitude and admiration for their coach. “Dad has been more than a coach to us. He’s been a mentor, a father figure, and the heart of this team,” Nathan Cleary said, fighting back tears. “It’s a sad day, but we’ll carry his legacy forward in everything we do.”
Penrith’s management and board of directors have praised Cleary for his contributions to the club, acknowledging that his leadership has transformed Penrith into one of the most dominant teams in the modern era of rugby league. In a statement, club CEO Brian Fletcher said, “Ivan’s impact on the Panthers has been immeasurable. He has built something truly special here, and we will always be grateful for everything he has done for the club. While we are sad to see him go, we respect his decision and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
As Cleary prepares to say goodbye to the NRL coaching scene, the future of the Panthers will now be in the hands of his successor. While the club is still in the process of determining who will take over, many expect that the foundation Cleary has built will serve as a springboard for the team to continue competing at the highest level.
Ivan Cleary’s retirement represents the closing of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Penrith Panthers, and the rugby league world will surely miss one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the sport. As for Cleary, the next stage of his life awaits—one where he can reflect on an extraordinary career and, no doubt, continue to influence the game in new ways.
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