Cleary enticed back to Penrith

RUGBY LEAGUE: Ivan Cleary is going back to Penrith.

The Wests Tigers coach has agreed to rejoin his former club the Panthers on a three-year deal from 2021.

While Cleary is still contracted to the Tigers for the next two seasons, his decision is bound to intensify speculation the Panthers will try to get the 47-yearold to the foot of the mountains before next season.

It was a swift blow from the Panthers, who last week announced Ivan’s son, star playmaker Nathan, had re-signed with the club on a five-year deal.

Yesterday’s revelation came a day after Tigers great Steve Roach implored his club to go after unwanted Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett to replace Cleary.

It is unknown whether Cleary has formally told Wests Tigers management of his decision to quit the club after the 2020 season.

Cleary’s future became uncertain after it was revealed two months ago that he had been involved in high-level conversations with Panthers chairman Dave O’Neill about a dramatic return to Penrith.

Panthers general manager of football Phil Gould booted Cleary at the end of the 2015 season, claiming the coach was tired and needed a break.

It is understood the relationship between the pair is cordial but not overly warm.

If the Tigers are able to negotiate a compensation package from the Panthers – either through a financial payout or player transfer – to release Cleary early, it would relegate highly touted caretaker coach Cameron Ciraldo to assistant duties, despite him guiding the Panthers to the second week of the NRL finals.

One well-placed source close to Penrith told The Daily Telegraph: “The club and Ivan’s management have formally agreed to terms for ’21, ’22 and ’23.

“It will now be interesting to see what transpires over the next two years of his contract at Wests Tigers.

“There is still a chance Ivan will be at Penrith next season. Would you want him at your club if he has signed somewhere else? That’s the reality.

“Penrith isn’t in any hurry. Cameron is organising things as we go.”

Should Cleary leave immediately, the Tigers could start an official pursuit of disgruntled Brisbane coach Bennett, who was told on September 25 he would not be re-signed beyond next season.

Premiership-winning former South Sydney coach Michel Maguire has also been linked to the Tigers.

A source close to the Tigers said: “Wests Tigers have Ivan contacted for the next two years. If circumstances were to change favourably for the club, and they’d have to be pretty favourable, the club’s board would probably consider a release for Ivan.

“If there was a compelling reason to look at an alternative coach then the club would look at it. Until then, Ivan has to coach at Wests Tigers and do a good job.”