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Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of his contract.
The former Warriors coach and player has led his current side to four premierships and a grand final loss over the past six years.
During the same media conference where Cleary confirmedhis departure at the end of 2027, the club announced that assistant coach Peter Wallace would be taking over.
“I’m just basically going to announce that I’m going to be stepping down from NRL coaching at the end of season 2027. It’s a decision that obviously I haven’t taken lightly, but I have thought about for quite a long time,” Cleary said.
“I feel like it’s definitely the right thing for me, my family and also the club.
“Part of being a coach and a leader is you kind of gain an intuition over many years, and I feel really strongly that this is the right time for me to step aside.”
Ivan Cleary has decided to leave the Penrith Panthers at the end of his contract. Photo / Photosport
The 55-year-old said he plans to free up more time for his wife and himself, but has also been offered an advisory role with the Panthers.
“I would have preferred not to have a press conference and have all you people come out, but I understand that this type of decision in my position has a lot of effect on a lot of people.
“Obviously, players, staff, our corporate partners, members, fans and anyone else who cares. So that’s why we’re making this decision and turning it into this. This is not a time for thank yous or reflections.
“I still have 18 months in the saddle so to speak, and I honestly woke up this morning thinking about the Dragons and how we’re going to try and beat them this week.”
He also made it clear he would not want to take a job with another NRL club.
“If someone thought I was worthy of a rep job, I’d consider that probably,” he said.
Nathan Cleary (left) and Ivan Cleary have won multiple premierships together at the Panthers. Photo / Photosport
He was also asked about the future of his son and club co-captain Nathan Cleary, but could not reveal if the halfback would stay with the Panthers.
“He’s been pretty clear about where he stands on his future right now, which I think is pretty uncertain,” the coach said.
“He’s just focused on playing, I don’t think this has made any difference.”
Ivan coached the Warriors from 2006 to 2011, leading them to the NRL grand final in his final year with the club, and he has also coached Wests Tigers.
The Panthers are currently top of the NRL ladder, losing just once all season so far.
