The Penrith Panthers have solidified their future by securing long-term commitments from coach Ivan Cleary and his son, star halfback Nathan Cleary.n April 2022, both extended their contracts to remain with the club until the end of the 2027 season.athan’s extension added three years to his existing deal, while Ivan committed to an additional five years.
uilding on this foundation, reports from mid-2024 indicate that the Panthers are eager to retain the Cleary duo well into the next decade.he club is reportedly preparing a substantial package deal worth approximately $13.5 million to extend their contracts by another five years, keeping them at Penrith until 2032.his proposed extension would see Nathan earning around $1.5 million annually and Ivan approximately $1.2 million per year.
anthers CEO Brian Fletcher emphasized the importance of these extensions, stating, “It’s our intention to have some discussions in the near future. They’re here until ’27, but we’d like to make them both lifetime Panthers – coach and player.”e highlighted their integral roles in the club’s recent successes and acknowledged that they would be prime targets for any new franchises.
he Cleary partnership has been instrumental in the Panthers’ dominance in recent years, leading the team to three consecutive NRL premierships—a feat not achieved since 1983.heir leadership has been pivotal in establishing one of the most successful dynasties in rugby league history.
espite their current contracts running through 2027, the Panthers’ proactive approach aims to ward off potential interest from rival clubs and expansion teams.otably, the North Sydney Bears, as part of a Perth expansion bid, have expressed interest in Ivan Cleary for a coaching role, given his history with the club.
oth Ivan and Nathan have expressed deep connections to the Penrith community.athan, who joined the Panthers as a teenager, remarked, “I came here as a 14-year-old kid after following dad around. It’s home for me now. It means everything to me.”van echoed similar sentiments, expressing pride in leading the club and its players.
y securing the Clearys’ long-term future, the Panthers aim to maintain their strong leadership and continue their success in the NRL.his strategy reflects the club’s commitment to stability and excellence, ensuring that the foundation of their recent achievements remains intact for years to come.
