Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary will step down following the 2027 NRL season as head coach as he looks to taper off at the backend of his coaching career.
The club held an announcement last week, where Peter Wallace will take over as head coach in a succession plan to Cleary in 2028, following four-straight premierships from 2021 to 2024.
Cleary will be involved in a cultural and leadership role off the paddock following his tenure as head coach, but also revealed an important clue to where his future may lie.
During the press-conference, Cleary admitted he would be open to the idea of coaching a representative side if they deemed him fit for the role.
With plenty of options available for Cleary's services, there will be no-doubt lots of representative organisations ready to have him sign on the dotted line.
2. Australia
Although on the more unlikely side, given coach Kevin Walters re-signed until the middle of 2028 only last week. However, if the emerging nations such as Samoa and Tonga give Walters' grief and results start to slip, the board may look at Cleary's availability as a succession plan for the nation.
With more and more significant players pledging their allegiance to the smaller Pacific nations, as well as Kalyn Ponga playing for the Kiwis, there are threats emerging everywhere for Australia.
Cleary could very much steady the ship and bring his calm demeanor along to yield results in the green and gold. Similar to the Blues, Cleary is looking to taper off at the end of his coaching career, and this role fits that description.
It also gives Ivan an opportunity to coach his son, Nathan, after their successful reign together in clubland.
I can’t see him going to the Warriors, because he has stated that he doesn’t want to coach a side in competition with Penrith.
I’d think NSW is the top probability. He would not have to move home, for starters.
If Nathan goes to one of the UK clubs to be close to his girl, then maybe Ivan might look at a Super League gig.