BREAKING NEWS: Disappointment Hit Greats BlueBet Stadium as Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary officially announces His resignation letter with a shocking announcement concerning….see more

 Shockwaves have erupted across the NRL world this evening as Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has officially tendered his resignation, ending an iconic chapter in club history that delivered unprecedented success to the foot of the mountains.

Speaking at an emotional press conference held at BlueBet Stadium, Cleary — visibly holding back tears — stunned reporters, players, and fans alike with his unexpected statement.

“It’s been the greatest privilege of my career,” Cleary said, addressing the packed media room. “But the time has come for me to step aside… and focus on something I never thought I’d say — a completely new challenge.”

While Cleary did not initially disclose the reason for his departure, he later revealed a shocking twist that left the room in disbelief.

“I’ve been approached with an opportunity outside the NRL — something that will test me in ways coaching never has,” Cleary continued. “I can’t share all the details yet, but I can say this: it’s not goodbye to rugby league forever.”

Rumors have already begun swirling across social media, with speculation ranging from Cleary joining a Super League expansion project to a high-performance role in another sport entirely. Some insiders have even hinted at a potential collaboration with his son, Nathan Cleary, on a future player development venture.

Panthers captain Isaah Yeo described the announcement as “a gut punch,” adding,

“Ivan isn’t just a coach — he’s the heartbeat of this club. None of us saw this coming.”

Fans leaving the stadium were visibly emotional, with many chanting Cleary’s name long after the press conference ended.

The Penrith Panthers organization released a brief statement following the announcement:

“We thank Ivan for his incredible contribution to the Panthers legacy. Discussions regarding the future coaching structure will begin immediately.”

Whether this marks the end of Cleary’s coaching journey or the beginning of something entirely new remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — the era that defined Penrith’s modern dominance has just reached a dramatic crossroads.