Ivan Cleary has 18 months remaining in his current role at the Penrith Panthers before the four-time premiership-winning NRL coach steps aside and his assistant Peter Wallace takes over.
The 55-year-old announced on Wednesday he would not renew his contract when it expires at the end of next season, but will remain in Penrith in an advisory role beyond 2027.
He said he had mulled over the decision for the past 12 months.
“It’s a decision that I haven’t taken lightly,” Cleary said. “But I’ve thought about [it] for quite a long time. I feel like it’s definitely the right thing for me, my family and also the club.
“Part of being a coach and leader, you kind of gain intuition over many years, and I feel really strongly that this is the right time for me to step aside.”
Clearly indicated he would not coach another NRL club, but should a representative role become available, he would consider it, while the exact nature of his new role at the club is still subject to ongoing negotiations.
“I’ve been a player or a coach for 35 years,” Cleary said. “It is more like a lifestyle than a job, so I’m definitely looking to branch out and use my skills, my knowledge and experience in other areas.
“Fortunately, though, the Panthers can’t get rid of me just yet. I’ve been offered a position to stay on in an advisory type role, through leadership and culture, and I’m very humbled by that.”
The move threatens to spark the collapse of an Australian rugby league dynasty; under Cleary, in his second stint with the club, the Panthers claimed four straight premierships between 2021 and 2024.
But he will step down with a number of players also off-contract at the end of next season, including his son Nathan Cleary, captain Isaah Yeo and representative back-rower Liam Martin.
Panthers chair Peter Graham stated that the goal was to “keep every one of those players at this club” but Cleary said the uncertainty played a part in announcing his intention to leave so far in advance.
“Why now? Basically, just to give everyone clarity moving forward, and also … we’ve got a lot of players off contract,” he said. “It’s just the contracting model and what we have to live with.
“Honestly, I would prefer not to have had to say anything for some time, but ultimately, my decision’s made, so why not? It also gives Peter a good lead in to the job, particularly next year.
“I feel like I’ll be able to help him a lot in that sense. I’m sort of passionate about trying to help a first time coach.”
Having fallen to defeat to eventual premiers Brisbane at the preliminary final stage last year, the Panthers currently sit atop the NRL ladder, having lost just once so far this season. They face the rock-bottom Dragons this weekend, when they are expected to pocket a 10th win out of 11 games.
“This is not a time for thank yous or reflections, I still have 18 months in the saddle, so to speak. I honestly woke up this morning thinking about the Dragons and how we’re going to beat them this week,” Cleary said.
