I Am Leaving: Ivan Cleary Announces Unexpected Exit from Penrith Panthers Due to Health Concerns
In a shocking announcement that has sent waves through the rugby league community, Ivan Cleary, the head coach of the Penrith Panthers, has revealed his decision to step down from his position. The news comes as a surprise to fans and players alike, with Cleary citing health concerns as the primary reason behind his departure.
Cleary, who has been instrumental in the Panthers’ recent dominance in the NRL, including multiple Premiership titles, made the emotional announcement at a press conference earlier today. His departure marks the end of an era for the Panthers, who have seen tremendous success under his leadership.
In his statement, Cleary emphasized that his decision to leave was driven by his ongoing health issues, which have worsened in recent months. The 53-year-old coach has been battling various health challenges that have impacted his ability to continue coaching at the elite level.
“I’ve been dealing with some health problems that I can no longer ignore,” Cleary said, addressing the media. “Coaching at this level demands a lot of energy and focus, and I feel that right now, my health needs to be my top priority. It’s a difficult decision, but I believe it’s the right one for me and my family.”
Although Cleary did not go into detail about the specific nature of his health issues, it has been reported that he has been dealing with complications related to previous injuries and ongoing physical ailments that have made his role as head coach increasingly difficult to fulfill.
Cleary’s exit has left the Penrith Panthers organization in a state of shock. Players and staff were informed of his decision earlier in a private meeting, where Cleary expressed his gratitude to the team and support staff for their hard work and dedication over the years.
“The players mean the world to me, and stepping away from this group has been one of the hardest decisions of my life,” Cleary said tearfully. “But I know they are in a great position to continue their success, and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.”
The coach has been a father figure to many on the team, including his own son, Nathan Cleary, who is one of the Panthers’ star players. Nathan, visibly emotional during the announcement, expressed his support for his father’s decision, acknowledging the toll that the coaching role has taken on him.
Ivan Cleary leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled success at the Penrith Panthers. Since returning to the club in 2019, he has guided the team to multiple NRL Grand Final appearances and back-to-back Premiership victories. Under his leadership, the Panthers became a powerhouse, with a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans that dominated the league.
Cleary’s departure will leave big shoes to fill, and the club has already begun the search for his replacement. Panthers CEO Matt Cameron expressed the organization’s gratitude for Cleary’s contributions and assured fans that the team is prepared to continue its winning ways despite the unexpected change.
“We are deeply saddened to see Ivan go, but we fully support his decision,” Cameron said. “His health and well-being come first, and we will forever be grateful for the incredible foundation he has built here at Penrith. Our focus now is on finding the right person to take us forward.”
As for Ivan Cleary’s future, the coach has indicated that he will be stepping away from the game entirely to focus on his health and recovery. While the rugby league world will undoubtedly miss his presence, Cleary did not rule out the possibility of returning to the sport in some capacity once his health improves.
“For now, I’m stepping away to concentrate on my health, but who knows what the future holds,” Cleary said. “I’ve loved every minute of my time in rugby league, and I’m grateful for the support from the fans, players, and everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.”
Cleary’s departure marks the end of a successful chapter for both him and the Penrith Panthers, but his contributions to the club and the sport will not be forgotten anytime soon.
As the NRL community absorbs the news, the focus now shifts to how the Panthers will move forward without the man who led them to the pinnacle of success
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