Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary has ended speculation about a move to Penrith by confirming he would see out the remainder of his contract at the NRL club.
In a prepared two-minute statement, Cleary said he was not aware that Penrith would discuss their coaching future at a recent meeting with Panthers chairman Dave O’Neill.
He said no offer had been made to come back to his former club, and that he immediately informed Tigers bosses about the Panthers’ approach.
“I advised the Panthers of my ongoing contract status with the Wests Tigers,” Cleary said ahead of his team’s crucial NRL clash with Canberra on Saturday.
“I subsequently advised the chair and CEO of the Wests Tigers of the discussions I’d had with the Panthers.”
Cleary, who refused to take further questions on the matter, said he was surprised by Penrith’s decision to fire Anthony Griffin earlier this week.
Then he allayed any concerns about serving the final two years of his current deal.
“I am enjoying my contribution at this club. The club’s growing nicely. Everyone associated with this club should be proud of the direction it’s heading in,” he said.
“I respect all the people and supporters involved with this club and I intend to honour this contract.”
Cleary’s comments means the Panthers will be forced to look elsewhere to fill their coaching vacancy next season.
Penrith chief executive Brian Fletcher this week said the club would be willing to wait two years before asking Cleary to return and unite with son Nathan.
The NSW playmaker has one more year to serve on his deal at the Panthers but is able to field offers at the end of this season, including a possible move to the Tigers.
Cleary reiterated his desire to work with Nathan at some stage during their careers.
“It is common knowledge that my son Nathan and I have acknowledged our desire to work together at some time. That remains the case,” he said.
“Today I’m absolutely focused on our match with the Canberra Raiders and I’m happy to take questions around that game.”
Over here
Guest
What's this "contract" thing that you refer to? ;)
Don
Roar Rookie
Very big chance that after Ivan told the Tigers of the Penrith approach, they spent a few days renegotiating the final 2 years of his contract and maybe even spoke about ways to clear space to bring Nathan over.
Jacko
Guest
It works both ways Steve......Why would anyone hire Cleary when he is happy to reneg on any contract he signs...He did it to the Warriors and if he had done...or does....it again he will gain a very bad reputation as someone who only values contracts as leverage
Emcie
Roar Guru
Bennett's contracted for next year
Steve
Guest
Its opened up nicely for Wayne Bennett. Broncos want him gone this year, he then gets to coach in 2019 and 2020 that he is demanding the Broncos allow him to, but wont agree to. Finishes up just as Ivan Cleary is off contract. Seems a pretty perfect scenario for all.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Scott, Ivan Cleary must have looked all his options, he probably wanted to coach his son and the deal at the Panthers must have been huge but, this is very peculiar as Gould and the Panthers sacked him in 2015 under similar circumstances as Griffin, as a retrospective thing, I wouldn't of ever considered and/or trusted to come back to that rabble at the Panthers again, especially with Gould and that rabble board in charge. The reason why he must have read his statement is that he was probably advised to use the best terminology so that he doesn't conflict with the West/Tigers and their fans, even though, he was going to do a backflip on them lol business and loyalty are two different things and in todays NRL contract commitments are a thing of 'never the twain shall meet' lol
DP Schaefer
Guest
Unfortunately a certain amount of damage done to Tigers. A faster and definite response could have kept the wheels on the bus.
Mushi
Guest
Really? Odd behavior, generally a board doesn't do that without some direction unless they're also planning on giving Gus the flick? His media comments since would also be considered above and beyond
Adam
Roar Guru
Such an odd situation. Why get rid of Griffin with such a short part of the season left to run? What can't get adults to deal with it for two months? I apppaud Cleary though. Thankfully he has stayed. Not because I have any sentimentality reasons, just for his own marketability down the line when he is looking for a new role.
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
That's what you call honour and integrity. Any other other coach with the same principles should avoid anything to to with the panthers whilst Gould is there.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
So what about all those who trumpeted Cleary to the Panthers as a done deal, lead by Paul Kent. Happy for Tigers fans he is staying, Cleary has them on the right track. No way Bennett will work with Gould. If Ciraldo is that popular with the players, see how the next month or so pans out and maybe offer him the job. That way Gould still gets to keep his paws all over the team.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
The impression I got was that they wanted to work with him in the future but not before his contract ran out.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Did you miss Gould’s presser on Tuesday? And the footy show on Thursday?
Barry
Guest
The penrith board made the decision to sack Griffin and Gus as an Employee was entrusted with the job of telling the coach he wont be coaching past this season
Jade Ed
Guest
All the talk about players bringing the game into disrepute and the game itself projects an image that all parents would not want their children to aspire to. I certainly don't want my son to follow the examples of the NRL When you have a contract to uphold then you uphold it. It's a very poor example to our children when players and coaches don't uphold their contracts. What do i tell my child when he says that he doesn't want to finish the season and goes onto say that lots of League players chop and change.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Can't see how that is right? Penrith came out and continually denied they had offered Cleary a contract. Gus said they met with him but that was all. It was the media who said a contract was offered.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Maybe to irritate Phil Gould
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
The fact he read off a paper was a bit odd... who knows at this point. Also said he intends to stay rather than he will. Interesting to see how the Tigers go on Sunday.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Wow, what about the Press conference! Ivan has gone from Mr. Cool to having to read a few sentences in a quivering voice. If his players are under that much pressure they will get hammered. Ivan did not answer questions, but the obvious answer that everyone wants to know is "why in the hell did it take you 5 days to talk?" This innuendo could have been nipped in the bub last Monday.
Brendan Jones
Roar Rookie
this was a pointless exercise and nothing more than a media grab by the Panthers to cover up the fact that only idiots would sack a coach with a team fifth on the ladder with only four games remaining before the finals. Phil Gould is so out of touch he still thinks its the 1980's or 90's. When possibly not as loyalty meant something back in those days that you've would of waited until the season end before giving a coach the boot. when can the game get rid of the real problem, Gus Gould?