WAGGA WAGGA, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Ivan Cleary, Coach of the Panthers, looks on during his teams warm up before the round eight NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Penrith Panthers at McDonalds Park on May 04, 2019 in Wagga Wagga, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
# **Shocking Betrayal: Ivan Cleary Exits Penrith Panthers Amid Controversy**
In a stunning turn of events, Ivan Cleary, the head coach of the Penrith Panthers, has been sacked and suspended from the team, marking an unprecedented moment in the club’s history. The decision, which comes after a series of underwhelming performances and internal strife, has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community and left fans and players alike grappling with the implications of this abrupt exit.
Cleary, who was at the helm of the Panthers for several seasons, had previously led the team to significant success, including a premiership victory in 2021. His coaching style, characterized by a strong emphasis on discipline and tactical awareness, initially garnered praise from both players and supporters. However, recent months have seen a dramatic decline in the team’s performance, leading to mounting pressure on the coach to turn things around.
The official announcement of Cleary’s dismissal came early Tuesday morning, following a closed-door meeting with the club’s board. Sources close to the situation revealed that the decision was not made lightly, but rather as a result of ongoing tensions within the team and a series of disappointing results that left the Panthers languishing in the lower half of the league standings. Speculation has been rife about potential conflicts between Cleary and key players, which may have contributed to the board’s decision.
In a statement released by the Panthers, the club expressed gratitude for Cleary’s contributions over the years but emphasized the need for a change in leadership to revitalize the team. “We appreciate everything Ivan has done for the Penrith Panthers, but after careful consideration, we believe it is time for a new direction,” the statement read. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
The fallout from Cleary’s dismissal has been immediate, with reactions pouring in from fans, former players, and analysts. Many are questioning the timing of the decision, especially with the season still in full swing. “This is a massive blow to
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