Ivan Cleary
Ivan Cleary: A Rugby League Legend
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ivan Cleary is a renowned Australian rugby league coach, player, and former television presenter. He is commonly known for his coaching roles at various clubs, including the Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers, and Penrith Panthers (again).
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 23, 1971
Nationality and Profession(s)
Australian rugby league coach, player, former television presenter
Early Life and Background
Ivan Cleary was born in Sydney, Australia. His father, Brian Cleary, played first-grade rugby league for Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. This early exposure to the sport likely influenced Ivan's decision to pursue a career in rugby league. Growing up, Cleary attended St George District Rugby League Club as a junior player.
Major Accomplishments
Cleary's coaching career has been marked by significant achievements:
Led the Penrith Panthers to their first NRL premiership title in 2003.
Coached the Wests Tigers to a preliminary final appearance in 2010.
Returned to the Penrith Panthers in 2021, guiding them to another NRL Premiership victory.Notable Works or Actions
Cleary's coaching philosophy emphasizes developing strong team cultures and fostering player development. He has been recognized for his innovative approach to the game, often incorporating unconventional tactics and strategies into his teams' play.Impact and Legacy
Ivan Cleary's impact on rugby league extends beyond his on-field successes:
He has inspired a new generation of coaches with his emphasis on developing strong team cultures.
His commitment to player development has helped launch the careers of several talented players.
As a former television presenter, Cleary has contributed to promoting the sport through media channels.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ivan Cleary's quotes and opinions are often sought after by media outlets due to his expertise in rugby league. His insight into team dynamics, player development, and game strategy makes him a valuable resource for coaches, players, and fans alike.
Quotes by Ivan Cleary
George has been looking forward to this game for a long time and the style of the game probably suited him last night.
After the injuries we've had recently, it's encouraging to not only win our last start but to know we don't have any new injuries either.
It's been forced on us right from the word go that we have to improve and do that while being without familiar faces.
It's good to get the first one out of the way, obviously not the result we were looking for but as I said a lot of individuals played well so that was promising.
It's fair to say it was probably more than a trial for us considering everything that's happened during the week. I'm not really happy with the performance to be honest but the three trials we've had so far have showed we've got a bit of character and that's important.
A real positive to come out of it though is that we'll find out how resilient our boys are.
Despite losing our first two matches, the signs were there that we weren't far away from success so we were really pleased to see the improvement against the Tigers.
