Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed he will step down at the end of the 2027 NRL season, ending one of the most dominant coaching eras in rugby league history.
The four-time premiership-winning mentor said the decision was best for himself, his family and the club, revealing he wanted to explore opportunities beyond full-time coaching after 35 years in the game.
Cleary, who will move into an advisory role with Penrith in 2028, said he has no plans to coach another NRL side. Current assistant Peter Wallace has been named as his successor. Cleary transformed Penrith into the competition’s powerhouse, guiding the club to four straight premierships between 2021 and 2024 while helping develop son Nathan into one of the game’s elite players.
The former Warriors coach and player still has 18 months remaining in charge, with Penrith currently leading the NRL ladder after losing just once in 10 games.
He's the Northern Beaches boy who went west and turned Penrith into a powerhouse.
Delivering four famous NRL Premierships to the Panthers and pride to an entire community.
The Ivan Cleary story is about so much more than just footy so news that the much loved coach is quitting… pic.twitter.com/GBERNJRWVO
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) May 13, 2026
