𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓: 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭..…𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞

Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has today released a heartfelt statement confirming the tragic death of a close family member, describing the loss as devastating for himself and his family.

In the statement shared with media outlets, Cleary — a four‑time NRL premiership‑winning coach — said he was “utterly heartbroken” and asked for privacy as his family grieves. The club has announced support services for players and staff during this difficult period and confirmed that preparations for upcoming matches will continue under assistant coaches until Cleary is able to return.

Cleary’s leadership has defined the modern Panthers era, with premiership victories in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 under his guidance — one of the most successful coaching runs in NRL history. �

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Club officials and teammates have rallied in support, with tributes beginning to flow on social media and from rival clubs. Further details regarding the family member’s identity and circumstances of the death have not been released at this time, pending confirmation from family representatives.

The Panthers organisation said it will issue further updates as appropriate.