devastating turn of events, Ivan Cleary, the head coach of the Penrith Panthers, has been confirmed dead. The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community. Details surrounding the cause of his death remain scarce, with the club yet to release an official statement. However, sources close to the family have confirmed the heart-wrenching news.
Cleary, 53, took over the reins at Penrith in 2019, and under his guidance, the club experienced a remarkable resurgence. He led the Panthers to back-to-back NRL Grand Finals in 2020 and 2021, ultimately securing their long-awaited premiership victory in 2021, ending a 17-year drought for the club. Cleary’s leadership, tactical brilliance, and commitment to building a strong team culture were key factors in Penrith’s success during this period.
Before his tenure at Penrith, Cleary had a long and storied career as both a player and coach. As a player, Cleary represented the New Zealand Warriors, playing as a halfback and earning a reputation for his composure and intelligence on the field. His coaching career began in earnest in the early 2000s, and after stints with various NRL clubs, including the Warriors and the Wests Tigers, Cleary eventually found a home at Penrith, where he would cement his legacy as one of the game’s elite coaches
In addition to his NRL achievements, Cleary also played a significant role in developing young talent, with several players rising to prominence under his tutelage. His focus on youth development, player welfare, and creating a positive team environment made him a beloved figure within the Panthers’ organization and beyond.
The news of Cleary’s passing has already sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the rugby league world. NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo offered his condolences on behalf of the entire league, describing Cleary as “one of the finest coaches our game has ever seen.”
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