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.
3. Samoa
The Samoan international side is on the way up, with absolute stacked NRL talent pledging their allegiance to the small island nation. It is generating some serious hype ahead of the World Cup at the end of the year. Cleary may not be able to resist the temptation of coaching Payne Haas, Sua Fa'alogo, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and many others.
Throw in Cleary's strong relationship with many of the Samoan players who have donned Panthers colours over their reign. It's clear the super coach struck a brilliant and strong relationship with them that led to great success. The Samoan players who have played under him include Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Spencer Leniu, Stephen Crichton, Moses Leota and Blaize Talagi.
The current Samoan coach, Ben Gardiner, signed a five-year deal as an assistant coach for the Perth Bears, and is reportedly a succession plan to head coach Mal Meninga in 2029. Given the excellent security in the NRL role, Gardiner could potentially step away in 2028, opening the door for Cleary to take the spot.
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.