Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary recently opened up about a decision he made during his playing career, revealing that he turned down an offer from a Super League club in the early days of his career.
Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary recently opened up about a decision he made during his playing career, revealing that he turned down an offer from a Super League club in the early days of his career. At the time, Cleary was considering a move to the UK but ultimately chose to remain in the NRL. The decision, he reflected, was pivotal in shaping his career, as it kept him within the Australian league, where he would go on to have a long and successful playing career before transitioning into coaching.
Cleary also shared an amusing anecdote from the 2023 World Club Challenge, where his tactical plan to neutralize St Helens star Jack Welsby backfired spectacularly. In the lead-up to the match, Cleary and his coaching staff meticulously devised a strategy to limit Welsby’s influence, knowing that the young fullback was one of the most dangerous players in the Super League. However, despite their best efforts, Welsby proved to be a game-changer, leading St Helens to a memorable victory over the Panthers.
The plan to stop Welsby not only failed but turned into a reminder of how unpredictable rugby league can be. Welsby’s performance highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion, and Cleary admitted that the lesson was humbling. It underscored the unpredictability of high-stakes matches and reminded the Panthers’ coaching staff that even the best-laid plans can unravel when faced with exceptional talent.
