DONE DEAL: Cameron Ciraldo Rejoices as Former Penrith Panthers Coach Ivan Cleary Finally Signs New Deal with Wests Tigers to Take Over as Team Head Coach for the 2025 NRL Season
In a major announcement that has reshaped the NRL coaching landscape, Ivan Cleary, the former Penrith Panthers head coach, has officially signed a new deal with the Wests Tigers to take over as head coach for the 2025 season. The highly anticipated move has been a topic of speculation for months, and now that it’s confirmed, it’s clear that Cleary’s appointment signals a new era for the Wests Tigers.
Cleary, who led the Panthers to back-to-back NRL Premierships in 2021 and 2022, is regarded as one of the finest minds in rugby league. His tactical brilliance, leadership skills, and ability to foster a winning culture have made him one of the most respected coaches in the game. His shift from Penrith to the Tigers comes after a successful and trophy-laden spell with the Panthers, where he helped turn the team into a powerhouse of the competition.
One person who is particularly excited about Cleary’s new role is Cameron Ciraldo, who worked alongside Cleary as an assistant coach at Penrith before taking on the head coach role with the
. Ciraldo, like many others, holds Cleary in high regard, and he took to social media to express his joy at his former coach’s new challenge.
“Exciting times ahead for Ivan and the Tigers,” Ciraldo wrote on his social media. “The Tigers are in great hands, and I’ve no doubt that Ivan will get the best out of this team. He’s a proven winner, and he’s going to do great things at the club. Can’t wait to see how the next chapter unfolds for him.”
Cleary’s arrival at the Tigers is seen as a crucial step in the club’s ongoing efforts to return to their glory days. The Wests Tigers have had a turbulent few seasons, struggling to find consistency and often falling short of the finals. However, Cleary’s reputation for building successful, resilient teams is expected to change the trajectory of the club. With his knowledge of the game and ability to bring out the best in players, Cleary will look to instill a winning mindset at the Tigers and build a team capable of challenging for the top honors.
The Wests Tigers have welcomed Cleary’s appointment with open arms, seeing it as a fresh start for the club. The Tigers’ management and ownership were keen to bring in a coach with the pedigree and experience to turn things around, and Cleary fits that bill perfectly. The club’s CEO, Justin Pascoe, expressed his excitement about Cleary’s arrival, saying, “Ivan Cleary is one of the best coaches in the NRL, and we’re thrilled to have him join the Tigers. We believe Ivan will bring stability, discipline, and a winning culture to the club, and we’re excited to see what the future holds under his leadership.”
While Cleary’s coaching pedigree is unquestionable, he will inherit a team in need of revitalization. The Tigers have shown glimpses of their potential but have failed to consistently perform at a high level. Cleary’s first task will be to get the best out of the current squad while identifying areas for improvement and growth. He’ll look to harness the young talent in the team and implement a playing style that can help the Tigers become a more competitive force.
For Cleary, this challenge represents an exciting new chapter in his career. Having enjoyed immense success at Penrith, he will now seek to replicate that success with the Tigers. It’s a fresh challenge that will demand every ounce of his coaching ability, and Cleary is determined to make the most of it. His appointment is expected to bring renewed optimism to Wests Tigers fans, who are eager for their team to return to finals contention.
As the 2025 NRL season approaches, all eyes will be on Ivan Cleary as he takes the reins at the Wests Tigers. With his experience and proven track record, there is hope that the club will rise to new heights under his guidance. The Tigers’ future looks brighter than ever, and the road ahead is filled with promise as Cleary prepares to lead them into a new era of success.
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