Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has ruled out leading both Penrith and the New South Wales (NSW) Blues in 2027, leaving the Blues searching for a stop-gap coach for next year’s State of Origin series.
After winning the decider at Suncorp Stadium last week, NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley is yet to indicate whether he will look to retain the role next year.
Daley, without a contract in 2027, has spoken of the personal toll the job has taken on him and the widely held consensus is that he will not seek a fresh deal.
Cleary announced in May that he would step down as Panthers coach at the end of 2027, to be replaced by current assistant coach Peter Wallace.
But the four-time premiership-winning coach has categorically ruled out the prospect of leading the NSW Blues in 2027 to give Wallace practice in the Penrith hot seat.
“That’s very humbling but I’m fully focused on the job at hand the rest of this year and next year,” Cleary said.
“I’m going to give Panthers my all and I’m looking forward to doing that.”
Cleary has spoken of his eagerness to test his coaching ability in representative football.
He watched the decider in Bali and was heartened to see his son Nathan, who is expected to return to club football in July 16’s clash with struggling premiers Brisbane, defy his critics and be named player of the series.
“I didn’t care as long as they won, it was a bit of a different experience,” Cleary said.
“But all in all, I was just happy for you all the boys, like all NSW and from a coaching perspective, super happy for Laurie, I can only imagine the pressure he was under.
“And obviously Nat [son Nathan] carried a lot of the can there and I’m just super happy for him.”
Cleary’s side have now had all their byes and play just two of the current top-eight sides in their final eight games leading into the finals.
Penrith are two wins clear of the Warriors in the race for the minor premiership and with the exception of hooker Mitch Kenny are at full strength.
Kenny, who was previously linked to the PNG Chiefs, has opted against going to the open market on Nov. 1 and has signed a fresh contract to stay with the Panthers.
“Mitch is a little way off, it was a big injury syndesmosis and surgery on a broken leg,” Cleary added.
“Mitch is a huge part of our team and not just the way he plays, but he’s a great leader, great team man.
“He started in this position under difficult circumstances, taking over from Api [Koroisau], who is still one of the best in the league and who was so important to our early premiership victories.
“He’s made that spot his own and I’m stoked that he’s just about ready to stay on here at Penrith.”
