Sport
Panthers confirm long-term coaching succession plan
Ivan Cleary will step away from the head-coaching role at the end of 2027, with an internal successor already named.
The Panthers today confirmed what had been quietly rumoured for months: head coach Ivan Cleary will not seek a new contract beyond the end of the 2027 NRL season.
Cleary, who has overseen four consecutive premierships and a generation of Penrith juniors, said the decision was made jointly with his family and the club's board. "It's been the privilege of my career," he said in a short statement released through the club.
Pathways coach and former captain Trent Barrett has been confirmed as Cleary's successor and will move into a parallel role through 2027 before assuming the top job in 2028.
Chairman Dave O'Neill said the orderly transition gave the club certainty heading into a difficult contract period, with twelve first-grade players off-contract on November 1.
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