In a surprising development that has sparked discussion across the rugby league community, former Penrith Panthers head coach Rivera has reportedly reached out to current Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary with a private message that is now drawing widespread attention.
Rivera, who most recently has been working in Coomera on the Gold Coast in Queensland, is understood to have contacted Cleary earlier this week. While the full contents of the message have not been publicly disclosed, sources close to the situation suggest it related to the Panthers’ current direction, leadership culture, and the ongoing pressures of maintaining success at the elite NRL level.
The message comes at a time when Penrith continues to navigate high expectations following years of dominance, with Cleary’s coaching methods and long-term planning frequently under the spotlight. Rivera’s decision to reach out has been interpreted by some as a gesture of professional respect, while others believe it may hint at deeper insights into the challenges facing the club behind the scenes.
Rivera, who previously played a role in shaping the Panthers’ coaching environment, has largely remained out of the public eye since relocating to Queensland. His recent work in Coomera has reportedly focused on development pathways and mentoring, making his re-emergence in Panthers-related discussions all the more notable.
At this stage, neither Ivan Cleary nor the Penrith Panthers have issued an official statement regarding the message. The club is expected to be questioned on the matter in the coming days as speculation continues to grow.
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