JUST IN: Penrith’s Ivan Cleary makes sad admission about coaching….See more
Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has made a heartfelt and somewhat surprising admission about his coaching future, revealing that recent challenges have taken an emotional toll on him. In a candid interview with the media, Cleary opened up about the pressures of leading a top-tier NRL club and the personal struggles he’s faced while managing the demands of the role.
Cleary, who has been at the helm of Penrith since 2019 and led them to multiple premierships, admitted that while he remains fully committed to the club, the mental and emotional strain of coaching at such a high level has been more difficult than he expected. “I think you get to a point where you start questioning whether you’re doing enough or if it’s time to take a step back,” Cleary said. “The highs are incredibly rewarding, but the lows can be pretty tough, and sometimes it feels like you’re always on edge.”
The 53-year-old explained that the pressure of maintaining Penrith’s success after their recent dominance, which includes back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022, has created an almost constant feeling of anxiety. “There’s always this expectation to be perfect, and it can become overwhelming at times,” Cleary added. “It’s a balancing act between trying to keep everyone happy—players, staff, and fans—while also managing your own well-being.”
Cleary acknowledged that while he still loves the game and his role, he’s beginning to reflect more deeply on what comes next in his coaching career. “I’m not at a stage where I’m ready to walk away, but I’m definitely starting to think about what my future holds in this job.”
Despite these emotional challenges, Cleary remains focused on guiding the Panthers through another competitive season, and his commitment to the club remains strong. Fans will no doubt continue to support him, recognizing the immense pressure that comes with coaching one of the NRL’s most successful teams.
