Ivan Cleary, architect of a four-consecutive Grand Final victories, has declared 2027 his final year as head coach of the Penrith Panthers. The announcement, made during a hastily arranged press conference on Wednesday afternoon, reverberated through the National Rugby League, catching many off-guard.
Cleary confirmed he will honor the entirety of his contract, stepping down at the conclusion of the 2027 season. He indicated a desire to "pursue other opportunities" and has reportedly been sounded out about a role within the Panthers organization in an advisory capacity. The club has moved swiftly to name current assistant Peter Wallace as his successor, reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal to take over at the end of 2027.
The departure of the 55-year-old coach marks the end of an era for the club, one characterized by unprecedented modern-day dominance. Cleary's tenure has seen Penrith transform into a formidable force, cementing their legacy in the sport.
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Cleary stated the decision was "not taken lightly" and had been "thought about for a long time." He suggested it was "the right thing for me, my family and the club."
The timing of Cleary's exit is significant, coinciding with several key players, including his son and star halfback Nathan Cleary, captain Isaah Yeo, and forward Liam Martin, also being off-contract at the end of the 2027 season. Speculation about Cleary's future coaching movements suggests he is unlikely to take up a coaching position with a rival NRL club.
Ivan Cleary, who has coached more games for Penrith than any previous head coach across two stints, made the announcement official at 2 PM on Wednesday. He has also been previously linked with heading up the PNG Chiefs, a role he reportedly rejected. The club itself released a statement acknowledging his "professionalism and lasting impact."
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