The $10 million family: Panthers sign Cleary duo to five-year contracts.
The Panthers have reportedly signed long-term contracts with standout halfback Nathan Cleary, as well as his father and coach Ivan Cleary.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the father-son duo’s contracts have been extended until the end of 2027, allowing them to stay at the base of the mountain for another five seasons after 2022.
Nathan’s contract has allegedly been extended on a $1.1 million per season basis, with a clause in his contract allowing that sum to rise with the pay cap as the NRL negotiates its 2023-2027 collective bargaining agreement.
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Meanwhile, Ivan’s new contract will make him one of the NRL’s highest-paid coaches, with a yearly salary of ‘far in excess’ of $1 million.
The Panthers’ star halfback may command a higher salary on the free market, but he has chosen to accept less and remain with the club that has become his home, surrounded by many friends.
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher previously told the Herald that the extensions have the board’s OK.
“Why wouldn’t we want them both at the club for the long haul?” Fletcher asked.
The board is unanimous in keeping them as a pair as long as we possibly can.
“They are a huge part of Panthers, and we’re doing what we can to make sure that continues. There’s not much more I can say.”
The Panthers have called a press conference on Wednesday morning with both Ivan and Nathan to attend alongside Panthers group chief executive Brian Fletcher, rugby league chief executive Matt Cameron and newly appointed chairman Peter Graham, where the news is expected to be announced.
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Ivan Cleary officially announced as Penrith Panthers coach
Ivan Cleary will officially return to the foot of the mountains after being sacked from Penrith four years ago, turning his dream of one day coaching his son into a reality.
The Panthers were expecting Cleary to arrive in 2021 at the conclusion of his Tigers contract, but the availability of former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire gave the Tigers extra security and paved the way for an early release.
The Panthers’ star halfback may command a higher salary on the free market, but he has chosen to accept less and remain with the club that has become his home, surrounded by many friends.
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher previously told the Herald that the extensions have the board’s OK.
“Why wouldn’t we want them both at the club for the long haul?” Fletcher asked.
It means the club will be forking out almost $2 million in coach salaries including a hefty payout for the sacked Anthony Griffin
Cleary is reportedly commanding a $1 million-a-year salary across his new five-year-deal, earning similar money to his son, halfback Nathan Cleary, over the same period.
Despite the rumours and speculation, Cleary vehemently denied any interest in the Panthers role and reaffirmed his commitment to the Tigers as he read a pre-written statement in August.
Continually batting away any questions that came his way, Cleary has finally broken his silence and explained his reasoning behind the move.
“I am very fond of Wests Tigers and all its people,” Cleary said.
“I enjoyed my time there and it is a club heading in the right direction.
“I would like to thank Justin Pascoe and Marina Go for their professionalism throughout.
“I am honored to return as Panthers head coach and look forward to being a part of the team’s future journey.”
“I had a sense of unfinished business with a club and a community with which my family and I have a strong connection, from grassroots to NRL players, staff, and management.”
“We have raised our family in the community for a number of years and are proud to call it home.”
Tigers players were notified of the decision via an embarrassing text message from the departing coach, who stated that it was a “extremely uncomfortable situation for me,” adding, “I do not feel good about this.”
The Clearys join a group of father-son combinations that includes current Sharks Shane and Kyle Flanagan, John and Martin Lang, Bob, Scott, and Brett Fulton, and Chris, Ben, and Jarrad Anderson.
Cameron Ciraldo, who coached the Panthers for the final month of the 2018 season after Anthony Griffin was fired, will join Peter Wallace as an assistant coach.
