Ivan Cleary steps down as Penrith Panthers coach in shock announcement

Ivan Cleary will step down as Penrith Panthers head coach at the end of the 2027 season in a shock announcement.

Cleary revealed the news in a press conference at Panthers HQ at 2pm on Wednesday afternoon alongside Chairman Peter Graham and CEO Matt Cameron.

Having been in the head coach role since 2019 and leading the Penrith through a dynasty era, winning four consecutive Premierships, Cleary will go down as the club’s greatest ever coach.

His decision to leave comes as a surprise, but the 55-year-old revealed he felt it was the ‘right time’ to move on after nine years leading the Panthers.

“I want to announce that I’m going to be stepping down from NRL coaching at the end of season 2027,” Cleary said. “It’s a decision that I haven’t taken lightly.

“I feel like it’s definitely the right thing for me, my family and the club. I feel really strongly this is the right time for me to step aside.

“I’ve spent a long time thinking about it. It’s definitely good to announce it earlier and just wanted to make sure it’s the right decision.

“Basically, this is just to give everyone clarity moving forward and also, we have so many players off-contract. Part of it is the contracting model.

“I would have preferred to not say anything for some time, but I’ll be able to help a lot next year and beyond. I am passionate about being able to help a first-time coach.”

Peter Wallace named Panthers head coach from 2028

Former Penrith halfback and club stalwart Peter Wallace, who has been assistant coach since 2023, will be the club’s new head coach from 2028.

Wallace had two stints at the Panthers during a 14-year career, which saw him play 240 NRL games, 101 of those for Penrith, before retiring in 2018.

Speaking on his appointment, Wallace said: Thankyou to the board for the opportunity but also for believing in me.

“There is no better person to take over from. I’ve still got 18 months with him to prepare for that role. In terms of transition, I don’t think there is a better club to do it at or a better coach to do it with.

“I spoke to Ivan about a week ago and at first was shocked. It’s going to be sad to finish up with Ivan.

“On the other hand, I’m really happy for Ivan that he can make this decision and now we have another 18 months with him.”

Nathan Cleary future in question

The future of Nathan Cleary will now come under the microscope with the NRL’s best player off-contract at the end of 2027 and free to negotiate with rivals from November 1 this year.

It lines up perfectly with the departure of his dad, with Nathan linked heavily to the PNG Chiefs who have the attraction of tax-free money when they join the NRL in 2028.

“His future is pretty uncertain right now,” Ivan said on Nathan’s future. “He is just focusing on playing right now and doing a good job.”

Earlier today, Nathan did little to reassure Panthers fans he would be staying beyond his current deal as he left the door firmly open for the Chiefs.

“I honestly don’t know (about my future),” said Cleary. “That won’t change between now and the Origin period. I’m not prepared to make a decision. And I don’t know why it’s such a rush.

“In my mind, it’s May now, so November is still ages away. I don’t even want to think about contracts through this hectic period of the year.”