BREAKING NEWS: Ivan Clearly current head coach of Penrith panthers, received a communication from the former head coach Phil Gould who retired as the TVA sports, makes surprising Announcements that….see more

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves across the NRL community, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has reportedly received a private message from legendary former coach and administrator Phil Gould, who has been out of coaching and recently stepped away from his long-running role in sports media.

According to sources close to the Panthers organization, the communication—described as “unexpected, candid, and potentially game-changing”—was delivered earlier this morning. While the exact contents of the message remain confidential, insiders claim that Gould has made several surprising announcements regarding his future involvement in rugby league, his relationship with the Panthers, and a possible new role he is considering.

A Relationship Revisited

Cleary and Gould share a long, complex history—marked by mutual respect, professional tension, and the backdrop of Penrith’s rise to becoming one of the NRL’s dominant forces. Gould’s departure from Penrith in 2019 left lingering questions, and this recent outreach has reportedly stirred both nostalgia and curiosity within the club’s leadership.

One source said:

“It wasn’t a hostile message. In fact, it was surprisingly warm. Gould expressed admiration for what Cleary and the team have achieved—something many didn’t expect to hear.”

Gould’s Surprising Announcements

While the Panthers have not issued an official statement, the key points rumored to be in Gould’s message include:

• A desire to reconnect with the Panthers organization, possibly in a ceremonial or advisory capacity.
• An upcoming public statement in which Gould will reflect on his media career and address long-standing assumptions about his departure from Penrith.
• A proposal for a new NRL-wide initiative, centered on player development and welfare, which he personally hopes Cleary will support.

If confirmed, this would mark Gould’s most direct involvement with the club since stepping away nearly six years ago.

Cleary’s Reaction

Though Cleary has not spoken publicly about the communication, individuals close to the coach describe him as “surprised but appreciative.”

One insider revealed:

“Ivan has always respected Gus’s rugby brain. Whatever was said clearly left an impression. He’s taking it seriously.”

Panthers Fans React

Fans across social media have erupted with speculation, with many curious whether this signals a reunion of sorts between the two influential figures. Others wonder if it may affect Panthers operations heading into the next season.

What Happens Next?

The Panthers organization is expected to release an official comment in the coming days, while Gould’s rumored public announcement could come as early as next week.

For now, the league watches closely—because when Phil Gould resurfaces, it usually means something big is coming.