JUST IN: In a bombshell move that has and beyond, Penrith Panthers president Peter Graham has disclosed the reasons behind the dismissal of head coach Ivan Cleary…

In a stunning development that has rocked the NRL community and sent shockwaves across Australia and beyond, Penrith Panthers president Peter Graham has revealed the reasons behind the dismissal of long-serving head coach Ivan Cleary.

The announcement came earlier today during an emotional press conference, where Graham described the decision as “one of the most difficult in the club’s history.” Cleary, who has been instrumental in shaping the Panthers into a dominant force in the NRL era, departs amid what the club describes as “a strategic reset aimed at securing long-term success.”

According to Graham, the move was not sparked by a single incident but rather a culmination of internal reviews, performance assessments, and future planning discussions. While acknowledging Cleary’s immense contribution to the club’s golden era, the president emphasized the board’s belief that a new direction was necessary to maintain competitiveness in an evolving league landscape.

“Ivan has given everything to this club,” Graham stated. “His leadership, discipline, and commitment built a culture of excellence. However, after extensive consultation, the board believes this is the right time to transition into a new chapter.”

Sources close to the club suggest that behind-the-scenes tensions, recruitment strategy differences, and long-term succession planning may have played a role in the decision. Despite speculation, Graham firmly denied any misconduct or disciplinary breach on Cleary’s part, insisting the separation was handled with mutual respect.

Cleary’s tenure with the Panthers will be remembered for transforming the team into premiership contenders and establishing a legacy built on youth development and resilience. Fans have already taken to social media expressing gratitude for his achievements while voicing shock at the timing of the decision.

As the Panthers begin the search for a new head coach, attention now turns to how the squad will respond in the coming weeks. The club maintains that stability within the playing group remains a priority and that preparations for the season will continue without disruption.