SO sad to goodbaye: Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary was finally dismissed from the club due to…

In a decision that has left many fans and pundits in shock, the Penrith Panthers have officially parted ways with head coach Ivan Cleary. After years of success and some of the highest moments in the club’s history, Cleary’s departure marks the end of an era—one filled with triumph, adversity, and an undeniable connection between the coach, his players, and the Panthers’ faithful supporters.

A Storied Career

Ivan Cleary’s tenure at Penrith wasn’t just another coaching stint. He first took the reins in 2012, helping to build a team that would later become one of the most dominant forces in the NRL. His ability to develop young talent, instill discipline, and foster a winning mentality played a huge role in the Panthers’ rise to prominence. Under his leadership, the team claimed multiple minor premierships and made regular finals appearances.

Cleary’s return to the club in 2019, after a brief stint with the Wests Tigers, signaled a new chapter of success. His second term saw the Panthers reach three consecutive Grand Finals, culminating in back-to-back premiership victories in 2021 and 2022. His partnership with his son, Nathan Cleary, the team’s star halfback, created one of the most dynamic father-son duos in the sport’s history.

The Fallout

Despite his many accomplishments, Cleary’s final season with Penrith was fraught with tension. Rumors of internal conflicts, disagreements over recruitment strategies, and clashes with management began to surface throughout the year. While the Panthers continued to perform on the field, cracks behind the scenes became more apparent.

As the 2024 season progressed, the team’s form dipped slightly, raising eyebrows among fans and critics. However, most believed that Cleary’s track record and deep ties to the club would see him through this rough patch.

In the end, though, it wasn’t a single poor performance or season that led to his dismissal, but a culmination of strained relationships within the organization. The final decision to part ways with Cleary was met with mixed reactions—while some supported the move for the sake of the club’s future, many expressed disbelief and disappointment at how things had unraveled.

The Impact on the Team

Cleary’s departure leaves a significant void in the Panthers’ coaching structure. Known for his tactical nous and ability to get the best out of his players, his absence will be felt both on and off the field. Many of the team’s current stars, including Nathan Cleary, owe much of their development to his guidance.

The emotional toll on the players and staff cannot be understated. Cleary was not just a coach, but a mentor and father figure to many. His strong relationships with the squad were evident in the team’s camaraderie and resilience during difficult times.

Now, as the Panthers look to the future, the task of maintaining their elite status in the NRL will fall to a new head coach—one who will have the unenviable job of following in Cleary’s footsteps.

What’s Next for Cleary?

While Ivan Cleary’s chapter at Penrith has closed, it’s unlikely this marks the end of his coaching career. With his wealth of experience and proven success at the highest level, Cleary will undoubtedly attract interest from other clubs. Whether he chooses to take some time off or jump back into the coaching world remains to be seen.

Cleary’s legacy at Penrith is firmly intact, regardless of how his time with the club ended. He transformed the Panthers into a powerhouse, bringing joy to thousands of fans and earning respect across the NRL. For now, though, the game will bid farewell to one of its greats—leaving many to wonder what could have been if things had played out differently.

Conclusion

The dismissal of Ivan Cleary from the Penrith Panthers signals the end of a significant chapter in the club’s history. As both the team and Cleary himself prepare for their next moves, fans are left reflecting on a remarkable journey that brought unprecedented success to the Panthers and cemented Cleary’s legacy in rugby league.