Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, known for his impressive coaching legacy in the NRL, has revealed that he once had the chance to play in the Super League but ultimately chose to stay in Australia. In a recent interview, Cleary reflected on the career-defining decision and how it shaped his journey in rugby league.
Cleary, who enjoyed a solid playing career before transitioning into coaching, shared that during the height of his playing days, he received an offer to join a Super League club. While he declined to name the team, Cleary admitted that the offer was tempting, particularly given the financial incentives and the chance to compete in one of Europe’s premier rugby league competitions.
“It was definitely an exciting prospect at the time,” Cleary said. “The Super League was growing, and the idea of playing overseas had a lot of appeal, both professionally and personally.”
However, Cleary ultimately decided against making the move, citing a strong connection to the NRL and his desire to remain close to family and friends in Australia.
Cleary explained that staying in the NRL felt like the right decision, as it allowed him to continue developing his skills as a player in a competition he felt was more aligned with his goals.
“The NRL was where I felt I could grow the most, both as a player and as a person,” he shared. “I was also really happy with my life in Australia, and leaving would have been a huge adjustment.”
Cleary’s playing career, which spanned the early 1990s and 2000s, saw him represent clubs such as the Manly Sea Eagles, North Sydney Bears, and the New Zealand Warriors. His consistency and leadership on the field earned him a reputation as a reliable fullback and goal-kicker.
While Cleary never played in the Super League, he expressed admiration for the competition and credited its style of play with influencing his coaching philosophy.
“The Super League has always had a unique style—fast-paced and creative. I’ve definitely drawn inspiration from that in my coaching,” Cleary said.
As head coach of the Penrith Panthers, Cleary has guided the team to remarkable success, including multiple premiership wins. His ability to adapt and innovate has been a cornerstone of his coaching approach, which may well have been shaped by what he observed of the Super League from afar.
Cleary’s revelation has sparked interest among fans and commentators, many of whom are intrigued by how his career might have unfolded had he chosen to play in Europe. Some speculate that his experiences in the Super League could have added even more depth to his coaching arsenal.
“Ivan Cleary in the Super League? That would’ve been something to see,” one fan commented on social media. “Still, the NRL is lucky to have had him.”
While Cleary’s decision to remain in the NRL shaped his playing career, it also paved the way for his remarkable achievements as a coach. His journey serves as a reminder of how pivotal career choices can be, even when opportunities to explore new horizons arise.
With the Penrith Panthers gearing up for another strong season under Cleary’s guidance, his story adds another layer of intrigue to the legacy he continues to build in rugby league.
