Ivan Cleary Fired as Penrith Panthers Head Coach Amid Disastrous 1-5 Start
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, the Penrith Panthers have officially parted ways with head coach Ivan Cleary following the team’s dismal 1-5 start to the 2025 season. The announcement came early Morning morning, with Panthers CEO Matt Cameron confirming the club’s decision in a press conference at BlueBet Stadium.
“This is not a decision we took lightly,” Cameron said. “Ivan has been an incredible servant of this club and has led us through one of the most successful periods in our history. However, given our current form and the need for immediate change, we felt it was the right time to move in a new direction.”
The Panthers, three-time NRL premiers under Cleary’s leadership in 2021, 2022, and 2023, have stumbled into uncharted territory this year. After six rounds, the team sits near the bottom of the ladder with just one win, plagued by inconsistent performances, key injuries, and what critics have called a “lack of spark” that once defined their dominance.
Cleary, 54, was in his second stint as head coach of Penrith, having first led the team from 2012 to 2015 before returning in 2019. During his second tenure, the Panthers became one of the most feared teams in the NRL, thanks to a mix of youthful exuberance, tactical discipline, and a relentless defensive structure. His partnership with son and star halfback Nathan Cleary was often seen as the club’s greatest strength.
But in 2025, that dynamic duo has struggled to replicate the magic. Nathan has battled a lingering hamstring injury, while the team’s forward pack has been outmuscled and outpaced by nearly every opponent. Last Friday’s 36-10 thrashing at the hands of the Parramatta Eels was reportedly the final straw for the Panthers board.
“It’s gutting,” said an emotional fan outside the club headquarters. “Ivan’s been the heart and soul of this club for years. But something just hasn’t clicked this season. We look lost out there.”
Cleary did not appear at Monday’s press conference, but he later issued a brief statement via the club’s website.
“I want to thank the Penrith Panthers for the incredible journey we’ve had together. Coaching this group has been one of the great privileges of my life. While this season hasn’t gone the way we hoped, I believe in the talent and the future of this club. I leave with nothing but pride and gratitude.”
Assistant coach Ben Gardiner is expected to take over on an interim basis while the club begins its search for a permanent replacement. Early reports suggest former South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou and current assistant Cameron Ciraldo — who previously worked under Cleary — are among the top candidates being considered.
NRL pundits have been quick to weigh in on the surprise move, with many citing the enormous pressure that comes with sustained success.
“Penrith set an almost impossible standard over the past few years,” said Fox League analyst Michael Ennis. “Three straight premierships, an unmatched win record — the moment you slip, the critics circle. That pressure can catch up with even the best.”
The Panthers now face an uphill battle to salvage their season. With 18 rounds still to go, finals are not out of reach, but the margin for error is razor thin. The club’s next fixture — a home clash with the North Queensland Cowboys — will be a must-win if Penrith hopes to stay in the playoff conversation.
Despite the current turmoil, some fans remain hopeful.
“Maybe this is the jolt we need,” said longtime supporter Katrina Lee. “We’ve still got the talent, the youth, and the fans behind us. We’ve done it before. Why not again?”
As the Ivan Cleary era comes to a sudden end, one thing is certain — the Penrith Panthers have entered a new chapter, one that begins with hard questions, fresh leadership, and the tall task of rediscovering their championship identity.