At This Moment: I Must Resign for Peace to Reign in My Family, Says Ivan Cleary on Stepping Down from Penrith Panthers Head Coaching Job
In an unexpected twist that has shaken the rugby league world, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has officially stepped down from his position, citing personal and family reasons. The announcement, made during a press conference at BlueBet Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, ends one of the most successful coaching eras in modern NRL history.
“It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today,” Cleary told reporters, his voice noticeably cracking. “At this moment, I must resign for peace to reign in my family. This decision has nothing to do with the club, the players, or the management. It’s about my personal life, my health, and ensuring my family’s wellbeing.”
The statement stunned journalists, players, and fans alike, many of whom had expected Cleary to continue leading the Panthers through another dominant season.
A Legacy of Success
Cleary’s resignation marks the end of an era at Penrith. Since returning to the club in 2019, he has transformed the Panthers into a powerhouse, securing three consecutive premierships between 2021 and 2023 and guiding the team to multiple finals appearances.
Under his leadership, Penrith not only established itself as a consistent contender but also became a symbol of resilience, teamwork, and strategic brilliance. Cleary’s calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and ability to develop young talent cemented his reputation as one of the greatest coaches of the modern game.
Star halfback and his son, Nathan Cleary, thrived under his guidance, becoming one of the best players in rugby league. The father-son dynamic added an emotional layer to Penrith’s story, making their premiership runs feel like family victories.
Yet, the same family connection that brought triumph has now reportedly played a part in Ivan Cleary’s decision to step aside.
The Personal Strain
While Cleary did not go into full detail about the “family issues” he referenced, close sources suggest that the intense scrutiny surrounding both him and his son Nathan has weighed heavily on the family. The constant media attention, speculation about favoritism, and relentless pressure of expectation reportedly caused tension behind closed doors.
“Football is a beautiful game, but it can also be ruthless,” Cleary admitted. “When it starts affecting your peace at home, you have to make a call. For me, my family will always come first. Coaching is something I love, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of the people I care about most.”
Friends of the Cleary family revealed that Ivan’s long coaching career—spanning more than 400 NRL games across stints with the Warriors, Tigers, and Panthers—has taken a physical and emotional toll. The stress of back-to-back seasons, coupled with ongoing health concerns, reportedly pushed him toward the decision.
Reaction from the Club
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher praised Cleary’s contributions, calling him “the architect of our golden era.”
“Ivan has given this club everything—his time, his energy, his wisdom, and his heart,” Fletcher said. “While we are deeply saddened by his departure, we fully respect and support his decision. Family must always come first.”
The club confirmed that Cleary’s resignation is effective immediately, with assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo expected to take over on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is announced.
“Continuity is important,” Fletcher added. “We have confidence in our coaching staff to carry forward Ivan’s vision while we consider our options for the long term.”
Players Respond
News of Cleary’s resignation spread quickly among players, many of whom expressed shock and sadness. Panthers captain Isaah Yeo described the announcement as “heartbreaking.”
“He’s more than a coach—he’s a mentor, a father figure, and someone who genuinely cares about us as people,” Yeo said. “We’ve built something special under him, and it’s hard to imagine not having him around. But we understand that family comes first, and we respect his decision.”
Nathan Cleary, who was not present at the press conference but released a short statement via the club, kept his words brief:
“My dad is my biggest inspiration, not just in football but in life. This was not an easy decision for him, but I stand by him 100%. Family is everything.”
Fans React with Mixed Emotions
For Panthers supporters, the news was bittersweet. Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement, with hashtags like #ThankYouIvan and #PanthersFamily trending nationwide.
One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Ivan Cleary is the greatest coach in Panthers history. He gave us memories that will last a lifetime. Family first, always. Thank you, coach.”
However, some expressed concern about the team’s future, especially with the finals just around the corner.
“This could derail our campaign,” one supporter wrote on a fan forum. “But if there’s one thing Ivan has instilled in this team, it’s resilience. We’ll keep fighting.”
The Bigger Picture
Cleary’s resignation also reignites a broader conversation about the pressures of professional coaching. The NRL coaching landscape is notoriously unforgiving, with constant speculation, media criticism, and short job security. Coaches often spend long hours away from their families, and the mental toll is rarely discussed openly.
Sports psychologist Dr. Maria Thompson told the Sydney Morning Herald that Cleary’s decision highlights an important issue.
“High-performance sport demands sacrifices, but when personal wellbeing is compromised, those sacrifices become unsustainable,” Thompson said. “Ivan’s resignation sends a powerful message that even the most successful coaches are human beings first.”
What’s Next for Ivan Cleary?
Though he has resigned from coaching, Cleary has not ruled out future involvement in rugby league. When asked about his plans, he said:
“For now, I need to rest and be with my family. I’m not thinking about the future just yet. I’ll always love this game, but right now, my priority is to find balance.”
Speculation has already begun about whether Cleary might transition into a less demanding role within the NRL, such as an advisory or development position. Some pundits also suggest he may eventually return to coaching once circumstances allow.
The End of an Era
For the Penrith Panthers, Ivan Cleary’s departure marks both an end and a new beginning. The club will now face the challenge of sustaining its success without the man who guided them to glory. Yet, Cleary’s influence will undoubtedly linger—through the culture he built, the young players he nurtured, and the memories of premiership triumphs that will never fade.
As the press conference concluded, Cleary offered a heartfelt final message:
“I want to thank the players, the staff, the fans, and everyone who has been part of this journey. It’s been the honor of my life to coach the Penrith Panthers. This is not goodbye forever—it’s just goodbye for now.”
With that, he stepped away from the podium, leaving behind a legacy of greatness and a reminder that sometimes the bravest decision is not about winning one more game, but about choosing peace when it matters most.
Leave a Reply