LEAVING PANTHERS In order to take over as head coach for the 2025 NRL season, Ivan Cleary, the former head coach of the Penrith Panthers, has formally signed a new contract with the West Tigers. Read more…
Breaking News: Ivan Cleary Leaves Panthers to Become Head Coach of West Tigers for 2025 NRL Season
In a shocking turn of events, Ivan Cleary has made the decision to leave his role as head coach of the Penrith Panthers and sign a new contract with the West Tigers for the 2025 NRL season. The move marks a significant shift in the landscape of the NRL, with Cleary opting to take on a fresh challenge with one of the league’s most storied yet underperforming teams.
After an illustrious tenure with the Panthers, where he led the club to three consecutive Grand Finals and two NRL Premierships in 2021 and 2022, Cleary’s decision to step away from the reigning champions comes as a huge surprise to many. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the Panthers into a dominant force in the competition, and his departure raises many questions about the future of the club and the Tigers’ prospects under his guidance.
The announcement was made official earlier today by both the Penrith Panthers and West Tigers, with Cleary expressing his excitement about the new opportunity while also acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving the club he helped shape into an NRL powerhouse.
“It has been an incredible journey at Penrith, and I will forever be grateful for the support I’ve received from the club, players, and fans. We’ve achieved so much together, but the time has come for me to embrace a new challenge. The West Tigers are a club with rich history, passionate fans, and a strong desire to build for the future, and I’m excited to be a part of that vision moving forward,” Cleary said in a statement.
Cleary’s decision to join the Tigers is expected to have a significant impact on both teams. For the Tigers, the appointment of Cleary is seen as a bold move to break out of the mid-table mediocrity that has plagued the club in recent seasons. Despite having a number of talented players, the Tigers have struggled to string together consistent performances, often falling short in key moments. Cleary’s success at Penrith, where he developed young players into future stars, gives hope that he can do the same for the Tigers, who are in need of a coach who can build a winning culture and take them to the next level.
West Tigers Chairman, Lee Hagipantelis, expressed his excitement at securing Cleary’s services and spoke of the club’s long-term vision. “Ivan is one of the best coaches in the NRL, and we are thrilled to have him lead our team into what we hope will be a new era of success. We believe his experience, tactical acumen, and ability to develop young talent will help us achieve our goals and create a sustainable future for the Tigers,” Hagipantelis said.
Cleary’s arrival at the Tigers also signals a possible shift in the power dynamics of the NRL, particularly in the Western Sydney region. The Panthers, under Cleary, have established themselves as one of the premier teams of the past decade, but with the loss of their head coach, the Tigers will be hoping to capitalize on this opportunity and close the gap on their rivals. Wests Tigers fans, long accustomed to disappointment, are hopeful that Cleary’s proven track record will help the club finally reach its full potential.
While Cleary’s departure from Penrith has left many fans heartbroken, the Panthers remain one of the most formidable teams in the competition. The club has already begun the search for a replacement, with several high-profile names rumored to be in the running. However, replacing someone of Cleary’s caliber will undoubtedly be a challenging task, and the Panthers will be keen to ensure that they maintain their dominance in the NRL even without their highly successful coach.
For now, Cleary’s focus will be on preparing for his new role with the West Tigers, with the 2025 season fast approaching. As one of the most highly regarded coaches in the NRL, his impact on the Tigers will be closely watched, and fans are eager to see how he can transform the club into a genuine contender for the premiership. Only time will tell whether Cleary can replicate his success at Penrith with the Tigers, but one thing is certain: this is a move that could reshape the future of both clubs for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ivan Cleary’s move to the West Tigers and the ongoing developments in the NRL coaching landscape.
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