Cleary appointed Penrith Head Coach

After Michael Maguire’s arrival at West Tigers, Ivan Cleary has been announced as Penrith Panthers Head Coach from 2019 on a five-year deal.

The 47-year-old returns to Panthers Stadium after two successful years with the Tigers

“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 am honoured to be back as head coach of Panthers and very much look forward to being part of the future journey.

“Personally I had a feeling of unfinished business with a club and a community that my family and I enjoy a strong connection with, from grassroots through to NRL players, staff and management.

This ends months of speculation linking Cleary with an earlier move to the Panthers to join his son Nathan who recently signed a long-term deal with the club.

Penrith had been without a permanent coach since the sacking of Anthony Griffin.