Breaking News: Former Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has signed a new deal with Wests Tigers to become the team’s head coach for the 2025 NRL season.. See more.

Former Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has signed a new deal with Wests Tigers to become the team’s head coach for the 2025 NRL season.. See more.

In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the rugby league community, Ivan Cleary, the highly respected former head coach of the Penrith Panthers, has signed a new deal to become the head coach of the Wests Tigers for the 2025 NRL season. This move marks a significant shift in the landscape of the NRL, with Cleary returning to the coaching spotlight at a club that has faced a challenging few seasons.

The announcement was made earlier today by the Wests Tigers, who expressed their excitement in securing Cleary’s services. The deal, which will see Cleary take charge of the team in 2025, is seen as a pivotal moment for the Tigers, who have been in search of a long-term solution to turn around their fortunes.

Cleary, who has enjoyed considerable success during his tenure at Penrith, is credited with transforming the Panthers into one of the most dominant teams in recent NRL history. Under his guidance, Penrith captured back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022, establishing themselves as a powerhouse of the competition. Cleary’s tactical acumen, player development skills, and ability to instill a strong team culture were central to their success.

However, after an incredibly successful period at Penrith, Cleary has made the bold decision to take on a new challenge with the Tigers, a club in need of a major overhaul. The Tigers have struggled for consistency in recent years, with only sporadic success and a sense of instability surrounding the coaching role. The team has yet to make the finals since 2011, and Cleary’s appointment is seen as a critical step in reversing their fortunes.

The move has been hailed by many as a masterstroke by the Wests Tigers’ management, who have been on the lookout for a high-caliber coach with a proven track record. Ivan Cleary’s experience, particularly in developing young players and building a winning culture, makes him an ideal fit for a club that is in the midst of a rebuilding phase. His ability to work with emerging talent will be crucial, as the Tigers boast a number of promising players in their ranks who could thrive under Cleary’s tutelage.

In a statement, Cleary expressed his excitement about the new opportunity. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Wests Tigers for the 2025 season. It’s a new challenge, and I’m looking forward to working with the talented group of players here to bring success back to the club. The Tigers have a rich history, and I believe we can build something special together,” Cleary said.

Wests Tigers CEO, Justin Pascoe, also weighed in on the announcement. “This is a game-changing moment for the club. Ivan Cleary is one of the best coaches in the NRL, and we are confident that his experience and leadership will take the Tigers to the next level. We’ve been working tirelessly to bring the right coach on board, and we believe Ivan is the perfect fit for the future of this club,” Pascoe said.

The Wests Tigers’ fans have been eagerly awaiting a change in direction, and Cleary’s appointment is expected to generate excitement and optimism around the club. His reputation as a coach who gets the best out of his players, combined with his strategic insights, will be key as he works to rebuild the Tigers into a competitive force in the NRL.

Cleary’s move to the Tigers is a notable one, especially considering his long-standing success at Penrith, where he established deep roots. It will be interesting to see how the transition unfolds, as he now faces the task of reviving a team that has had difficulty finding consistency and success in recent years. Despite the challenges ahead, Cleary’s leadership will be seen as a turning point for the Tigers, who will be hoping to emulate the success that he brought to Penrith.

The 2025 NRL season will undoubtedly be one of great anticipation for the Wests Tigers, as the club looks to rise from its recent struggles under the guidance of one of the game’s most accomplished coaches. Fans are hopeful that Cleary’s appointment signals the beginning of a new era for the Tigers, one filled with success, passion, and a return to finals football.

Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development in the NRL coaching world.