In a move that has taken the rugby league world by storm, Ivan Cleary has officially re-signed with the Wests Tigers to take over as head coach for the 2025 NRL season. This marks a full-circle moment for Cleary, who began his NRL coaching career with the Tigers before achieving great success with the Penrith Panthers. Cleary’s return to the Tigers represents more than just a coaching appointment; it’s a shift in the club’s fortunes and a new chapter in one of the most remarkable coaching careers in rugby league.
The Early Years: Cleary’s First Stint with Wests Tigers
Ivan Cleary’s initial journey with Wests Tigers began in 2017, when he was brought on as the head coach with the vision of bringing stability to the struggling club. During his first few seasons, Cleary focused on building a strong foundation, developing young players, and refining the club’s overall playing style. Despite showing glimpses of promise, the Tigers faced many challenges, including player injuries and inconsistencies in performance.
While Cleary was able to steady the ship and produce competitive teams, he ultimately left the Tigers after the 2018 season to rejoin the Penrith Panthers. His departure was a significant turning point for both the Tigers and the Panthers, but it also led to new opportunities for Cleary to further hone his coaching skills and achieve greater success.
Cleary’s Legacy with Penrith Panthers
Cleary’s return to the Penrith Panthers in 2018 marked the beginning of an extraordinary coaching tenure that would see him transform the club into one of the most dominant teams in the NRL. Under his leadership, the Panthers saw a resurgence in their fortunes, with Cleary implementing a high-octane style of play that emphasized strong defense, attacking flair, and player development.
The results were immediate. Cleary guided the Panthers to the NRL Grand Final in 2020, narrowly losing to the Melbourne Storm in a highly competitive match. However, in the following years, Cleary’s strategies began to pay off, with the Panthers winning back-to-back NRL Premierships in 2021 and 2022. His focus on nurturing young talent, combined with his tactical acumen, was crucial to Penrith’s dominance in the competition. Under his leadership, players like Nathan Cleary (his son), Viliame Kikau, and Jarome Luai became household names, and Penrith established itself as a juggernaut in the league.
Cleary’s ability to build a culture of excellence at Penrith, particularly focusing on a holistic approach to player development, set the benchmark for other NRL clubs. His success with Penrith made him one of the most highly regarded coaches in the history of the sport.
A Return to Wests Tigers: What’s Next for Cleary?
The announcement of Cleary’s return to the Wests Tigers for the 2025 NRL season has sent shockwaves throughout the rugby league community. The Tigers have been a club in transition for several years, with moments of promise but ultimately struggling to find consistency at the top level. Under previous head coaches, the Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance, but the team has often fallen short in key moments.
Cleary’s return to the Tigers is a bold move that signals the club’s commitment to becoming a powerhouse in the NRL once again. While the Tigers have experienced their share of challenges in recent years, Cleary’s track record of success makes him the perfect man to lead the club back to the top. With a deep understanding of the Tigers’ culture, as well as his wealth of experience gained at Penrith, Cleary is poised to make an immediate impact.
One of the key challenges Cleary will face upon his return is revitalizing a Tigers squad that has had difficulty consistently competing with the NRL’s elite teams. However, Cleary’s history of success in player development, particularly with younger players, suggests that the Tigers’ youth system will receive a boost under his leadership. Cleary has a keen eye for spotting talent, and he will likely work closely with the Tigers’ junior programs to ensure a steady stream of talent coming through the ranks.
Additionally, Cleary’s coaching philosophy, which prioritizes strong defense, disciplined play, and attacking fluidity, will be a welcome shift for the Tigers. Cleary is known for instilling a culture of professionalism and excellence within his teams, and this is precisely what the Tigers need in order to take the next step toward becoming contenders in the NRL.
The Tigers’ New Era Under Cleary
With Cleary at the helm, the Wests Tigers are entering a new era. The club has already made moves in the player market to bolster its roster, and Cleary’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the squad plays to its full potential.