BREAKING NEWS: Penrith Panthers Head coach Ivan Cleary who has involved in several other activities beyond just coaching the team. Signed a contract extension that will keep him in the role through the end of the 2026. Cleary make announcement………see more

BREAKING: Ivan Cleary to stay at Penrith Panthers until end of 2026 — what it means

In a move that sends a strong signal of continuity and ambition, Penrith Panthers’ head coach Ivan Cleary has reportedly signed a contract extension that will see him remain with the club through the end of the 2026 season.

🔹 Stability returns to Panthers’ helm

Despite a history of long-term deals with the Panthers — including a previous extension announced in 2022 anchoring both Ivan and his son Nathan Cleary to the club — the new 2026-ending extension suggests that Cleary and the club are recommitting to the same leadership philosophy.
This continuity gives Penrith stability at a time when many clubs are reshuffling coaches or rethinking their long-term strategies.

🔹 More than just coaching: Cleary’s broader influence

Cleary brings to the Panthers more than tactical nous on game day. Over the years he has played a central role in shaping club culture, mentoring emerging players, and overseeing comings-and-goings across the roster. Under his watch, the Panthers have locked in key players, re-signed talent, and maintained a steady core — even in turbulent times.
By extending Cleary’s tenure, the Panthers appear to be betting that his influence off the field — culture, development, player retention — is as valuable as what he delivers on the field.

🔹 Timing and long-term vision

The extension comes at a moment when several NRL clubs are wrestling with turnover, salary-cap pressure, and shifting rosters. For Penrith, locking in Cleary presents a long-game strategy: by maintaining coaching consistency, they preserve a stable environment — which can be a major advantage for team cohesion, youth development, and long-term success.

🔹 What this means for fans and the club’s future

• For fans: Expect a continued identity with the Panthers — the same style, the same values, and the same leadership at the top.
• For players: The extension sends a message of continuity and trust. Players, especially younger ones coming through, know who will lead them in the years ahead.
• For rivals: It’s a statement: Penrith is not rebuilding — they are doubling down on their system.

If you like — I can also write a full 500- to 700-word article on this — with background on Cleary’s history at Penrith, comparisons to other clubs, potential challenges ahead, and reactions from fans and pundits.