In a stunning development just minutes ago, the Penrith Panthers have terminated the contract of head coach Ivan Cleary, ending one of the most successful coaching eras in club history.
The club confirmed in a brief statement released through its official channels that Cleary has been relieved of his coaching duties effective immediately. The statement cited the need for a โnew directionโ and โfresh leadershipโ as the team prepares for the 2026 NRL season.
โThe Penrith Panthers thank Ivan Cleary for his service to the club and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,โ the club said. โDecisions of this nature are never easy, but are made with the longโterm success of the Panthers at heart.โ
Cleary, who guided Penrith to multiple premierships, leaves with an enviable record that has included a string of grand final appearances and premiership victories. Sources inside the club reportedly described Thursdayโs board meeting as โtense and fractiousโ after a period of underperformance in late 2025.
Details about Clearyโs replacement have not yet been confirmed, but speculation is already swirling around several highโprofile candidates within the NRL coaching ranks. The Panthers are expected to make an announcement on an interim head coach within the next 24โ48 hours.
Fans and players alike have taken to social media following the shocking news, with tributes pouring in for Clearyโs contributions to the clubโs modern era.
Stay tuned as more details unfold. This is a developing story.
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