Ivan Cleary’s emphatic call on leaving Panthers amid $13 million development with Nathan
The Clearys are building a dynasty at the Penrith Panthers
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has emphatically shut down the possibility of coaching against his son Nathan Cleary after reports the duo could be set to sign for the Panthers in a monster $13 million deal. Reports have linked Cleary as a possible target for expansion NRL clubs with the master coach proving his worth at the Panthers in recent years.
Cleary has guided the Panthers to three-straight premierships and helped ‘remodel’ their pathways system to become arguably the best in the business. Naturally, Cleary’s talents are the envy of other NRL clubs.
But the coach was quick to shut down any speculation over his short-term future having dismissed links with any other expansion club. “I love the Panthers, I have no thoughts about going anywhere else,” Ivan said on Thursday.
“I’m still here for three years, that’s a long time, I am not thinking about the future too much. I love being part of the community, I love the responsibility we have to have an influence on the community, I love the boys and the staff. It’s just a great place to be.”
Cleary even went as far to suggest he feels the Panthers are in a mini-remodel phase now after losing a host of premiership stars to other clubs in recent year. “I’ve been around the block a bit, got some experience building teams,” he said.
“But I’m happy doing what I am doing. We feel like we are remodelling our team here each year too as we keep losing players. It’s fun what I am doing here and I’m loving every minute of it.”
While his NRL future after three years is uncertain, Cleary was emphatic when he slapped down the possibility of coaching against his son. “No,” he responded when asked about possibility.
Cleary’s future has become a talking point after reports suggested the Panthers are set to begin negotiations to keep Ivan and Nathan Cleary at the club for life – in what could be a $13 million package deal for the father-son duo. Both Nathan and Ivan have signed for the club until the end of 2027. However, according to the Daily Telegraph the club is looking to lock them down even longer amid the threat from expansion teams.
According to the report, the Panthers are keen to extend the contracts for both of them for another five years until 2032. The figures being thrown around indicate Nathan could be on $1.5 million per season, and father Ivan a staggering $1.2 million.
