His Journey Serves As A Testament To The Power Of Following One’s Passion, Even If It Means Taking The Road Less Traveled.
Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary
recently opened up about a pivotal
moment in his career, one that could
have drastically altered the trajectory of
Australian rugby league. Years ago,
Cleary had the chance to play in the
prestigious Super League, an opportunity
that many players might jump at.
However, he opted for a different path—
one that led him to the sidelines and,
ultimately, to coaching greatness.
Turning Down the Super League: A Career-Defining Decision.
In the 1990s, the allure of playing in the
Super League was strong. Known for its
intense competition and international
prestige, the league offered players both
fame and financial incentives. Cleary,
who had enjoyed a successful playing
career in the NRL, was offered the
chance to join the Super League. For
most players, the decision to go would
have been straightforward. The Super
League presented a unique opportunity
to compete on one of rugby league’s
biggest stages.
However, Cleary’s perspective was
different. He saw an opportunity to build
something longer-lasting and impactful
than a few more years on the field.
Choosing to pass on the Super League
allowed him to pursue coaching roles
that he saw as a better fit for his future
goals. In a recent interview, Cleary
admitted that while the decision wasn’t
easy, he felt a pull towards coaching even
while still a player.
Early Coaching Beginnings: Building a Legacy from the Ground Up.
After leaving behind his playing days,
Cleary’s entry into coaching wasn’t
without its challenges. He started in
minor coaching roles, working his way
up as he gained hands-on experience and
honed his leadership skills. Cleary’s time
as an assistant coach allowed him to
experiment with strategies, study game
dynamics, and better understand the
mindset required to lead a team
successfully.
One of his earliest coaching roles was
with the New Zealand Warriors, a team
that benefitted from his fresh approach
and meticulous attention to detail. Cleary
focused on the fundamentals, instilling
discipline, and commitment to his
players, who would later credit him with
transforming their mindset. His
experience with the Warriors laid the
groundwork for a coaching philosophy
that emphasized team unity, resilience,
and the importance of mental
toughness.
Cleary’s style was less about flash and
more about grit, and his players soon
realized that he wasn’t just a coach but a
mentor. With each season, his reputation
grew, and so did the opportunities. His
subsequent roles saw him evolve into a
coach with an ability to turn teams
around and lead them to their full
potential.
Success with the Penrith Panthers: From Underdogs to Champions.
Cleary’s journey with the Panthers is the
highlight of his coaching career. When
he joined Penrith, the team was
struggling to establish a winning identity.
Cleary implemented his signature blend
of discipline, strategy, and player-focused
mentorship. He focused on building a
culture where players took ownership of
their roles and responsibilities.
The result was transformative. Under
Cleary’s leadership, the Panthers went
from an underperforming squad to a
formidable force in the NRL. The 2021
and 2022 seasons saw the Panthers
achieve remarkable success, with
Cleary’s coaching being widely credited
for turning the team into back-to-back
champions. His strategies helped unlock
the potential of stars like Nathan Cleary,
who happens to be his son, and others
who thrived under his leadership.
Cleary’s approach to coaching
emphasized not only winning but also
creating a positive and supportive team
environment. His success with the
Panthers has established him as one of
the most respected coaches in the game,
and he continues to build upon that
legacy with each season.
Reflecting on the Road Not Taken.
For Cleary, the decision to forgo the
Super League in favor of coaching has
brought him both professional
satisfaction and personal fulfillment. In a
recent interview, he reflected on how his
life might have been different had he
taken the Super League offer. He
acknowledged that while playing at that
level would have been an incredible
experience, his passion for teaching,
mentoring, and inspiring players
ultimately won out.
Cleary’s decision also reflects a broader
trend among former players who choose
coaching as a way to give back to the
sport that shaped them. By stepping into
a coaching role, Cleary has impacted
countless players and fans and
contributed to a legacy that extends
beyond his own achievements on the
field.
Looking Ahead: Cleary’s Vision for the Panthers and Beyond.
As the Panthers prepare for the
upcoming season, Cleary’s focus remains
on growth and consistency. He is
committed to building upon the team’s
recent successes, helping his players
develop their skills while also preparing
the next generation of stars. For Cleary,
coaching is about more than just
winning games—it’s about fostering a
love for the sport and creating a culture
of accountability and mutual respect.
In choosing the sidelines over the Super
League, Ivan Cleary forged a path that
would ultimately bring him success,
admiration, and a lasting impact on
Australian rugby league. His journey
serves as a testament to the power of
following one’s passion, even if it means
taking the road less traveled.
