Cleary to return to Panthers

IVAN Cleary is going back to Penrith, with the Wests Tigers coach agreeing to rejoin the club on a three-year deal from 2021.

While still contracted to the Tigers for the next two seasons, Cleary’s decision will intensify speculation the Panthers will try and get the 47-year-old to the foot of the mountains before next season.

It’s a swift blow from the Panthers, who last week announced Ivan’s son Nathan Cleary had re-signed with the club on a lucrative new fiveyear deal.

The revelation comes a day after Wests Tigers great Steve Roach implored his club to go after Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett to replace Cleary.

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

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

Should Cleary leave immediately, the Tigers could start an official pursuit of disgruntled Brisbane coach Bennett, who has been told he will not be re-signed beyond next season.