Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has announced he will leave the club at the end of the 2027 season. The 55-year-old, who has led the Panthers to four consecutive NRL premierships from 2021 to 2024, will step aside and be replaced by his assistant, Peter Wallace. Cleary will remain with the club in an advisory role after his coaching tenure ends.
Cleary's Decision and Future Role
Cleary revealed on Wednesday that he had been contemplating the decision for the past 12 months. "It's a decision that I haven't taken lightly," he 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." He emphasized that his intuition as a coach and leader guided him to this conclusion. Cleary indicated he would not coach another NRL club but would consider a representative role if it became available. The exact nature of his new role at the Panthers is still under negotiation, but he confirmed it would be an advisory position focusing on leadership and culture. "I've been a player or a coach for 35 years," Cleary added. "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."
Impact on the Panthers Dynasty
Cleary's departure threatens to disrupt one of Australian rugby league's greatest dynasties. Under his guidance, the Panthers won four straight premierships between 2021 and 2024. However, several key players are also off-contract at the end of the 2027 season, including his son Nathan Cleary, captain Isaah Yeo, and representative back-rower Liam Martin. Panthers chair Peter Graham stated the club's goal is to retain all these players, but Cleary acknowledged that the uncertainty influenced his decision to announce his departure early. "Why now? Basically, just to give everyone clarity moving forward, and also ... we've got a lot of players off contract," Cleary explained. "It's just the contracting model and what we have to live with."
Transition to Peter Wallace
Cleary expressed confidence in his successor, Peter Wallace, who will take over as head coach after the 2027 season. "I feel like I'll be able to help him a lot in that sense," Cleary said. "I'm sort of passionate about trying to help a first-time coach." Wallace will have an 18-month lead-in to the role, allowing for a smooth transition. Cleary noted that he would prefer not to have made the announcement so early but felt it was necessary for clarity. The Panthers currently sit atop the NRL ladder with a strong record, having lost only once this season. They face the bottom-placed Dragons this weekend, where they are expected to secure their 10th win in 11 games. Despite the upcoming change, Cleary remains focused on the present: "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."
