Penrith Panthers: Ivan and Nathan Clearly sign new long-term deals

Penrith Panthers have announced that head coach Ivan Cleary and co-captain Nathan Cleary have both re-signed until the end of the 2027 season. 

Ivan Cleary, 51, will remain as head coach of the Panthers for at least the next five seasons.

The premiership-winning coach was already contracted until the 2023 NRL season. He led the club to their third Grand Final victory in 2021, defeating South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-12 at Suncorp Stadium.

He is the club’s longest serving coach, having first joined the Panthers in 2012 for four seasons before returning to the club in 2019.

Nathan Cleary, 24, has extended his original contract by a further three years. He has made 122 professional appearances and has featured in two grand finals. Nathan has been twice named the Dally M half-back of the year.

He has represented New South Wales in 10 State of Origin matches. The Australian-born player also claimed the Clive Churchill Medal in Penrith’s 2021 Grand Final victory.

Penrith Panthers boss on new deal

“I couldn’t be happier, I’m really proud to lead this club and these boys,” Ivan said.

“It’s hard not to think retrospectively and nostalgically in situations like this, I was just like Nathan but a bit longer ago, I could only dream of playing one NRL game.

“Thirty years later I’m still fortunate enough to live this life. Coaching is one of those things, as a head coach it’s not one or the other. There’s definitely times you wonder why you want to do it. That’s the beauty of it because the good times are incredible. I love sport and being involved in teams.

“It’s my role to drive culture but it changes with the people we’ve got. The staff here as well, not only do they have expertise in their own field but they’re totally committed to teamwork. We want to become a team that’s up there with the best of them and there’s still a long way to go for us to achieve that.”

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