Latest news with #IvanCleary
The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Dad leaves door open for Cleary rugby switch
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union. Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027. Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes. Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract. "Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday. "Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows? "But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing." The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game. "I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said. "He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright." But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league. "I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said. "Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing." The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13. It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership. The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder. "Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said. "Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous." The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday. "We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said. "It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. "They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week." Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union. Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027. Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes. Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract. "Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday. "Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows? "But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing." The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game. "I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said. "He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright." But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league. "I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said. "Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing." The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13. It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership. The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder. "Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said. "Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous." The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday. "We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said. "It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. "They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week." Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union. Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027. Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes. Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract. "Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday. "Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows? "But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing." The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game. "I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said. "He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright." But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league. "I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said. "Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing." The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13. It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership. The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder. "Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said. "Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous." The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday. "We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said. "It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. "They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week."
7NEWS
4 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Ivan Cleary hints at Nathan's career plans amid rugby defection speculation
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union. Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027. Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was 'quite keen' to switch codes. Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract. 'Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be,' Ivan Cleary said on Friday. 'Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows? 'But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing.' The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game. 'I don't think he's ever played (rugby union),' Ivan Cleary said. 'He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright.' But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league. 'I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it,' Cleary said. 'Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing.' The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in Round 13. It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth-straight premiership. The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder. 'Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years,' Cleary said. 'Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous.' The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday. 'We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those,' Cleary said. 'It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. 'They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week.'
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Dad leaves door open for Cleary rugby switch
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan's sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union. Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL's best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027. Reports Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was "quite keen" to switch codes. Ivan Cleary wouldn't rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract. "Nathan's here for another two years so that's where he's gonna be," Ivan Cleary said on Friday. "Nath's a pretty open-minded kid but that's down the track maybe, who knows? "But he's contracted here for another two years so that's what he's doing." The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game. "I don't think he's ever played (rugby union)," Ivan Cleary said. "He'd just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he'd go alright." But Cleary senior rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in league. "I don't think so at all, not that I've ever spoken to him about it," Cleary said. "Just watching him play every week, he's always trying to get better and loves what he's doing." The Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13. It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers' fourth straight premiership. The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai's approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder. "Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years," Cleary said. "Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous." The coach said it wouldn't be too strange coming up against his old charges, and his team's focus was on preventing a Tigers ambush at Commbank Stadium on Sunday. "We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those," Cleary said. "It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. "They tend to bring their best against us and I'm sure it'll be the same this week."
News.com.au
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Maybe, who knows?': Nathan Cleary's rugby union links won't go away
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says his son isn't focusing on rumours he could make a shock code switch later in his career, with Nathan Cleary more concerned about taking on great mate Jarome Luai for the first time in the NRL. Cleary has another two years to run on his Panthers deal and would likely become one of the highest-paid players of all time if he signs a new deal when the salary cap goes up. There is no suggestion he is contemplating leaving Penrith, where he has won four titles in a row and is on track to shatter several NRL records. But Wallabies legend Tim Horan recently suggested that Cleary was considering a code switch, while others reckon he has nothing left to prove in rugby league given he's already achieved so much. The other major factor is his partner Mary Fowler, who is injured but plays football overseas, which could tempt the superstar halfback to move to Europe where he could test himself in rugby. 'Nathan's here for another two years, so that's where he's going to be,' his father said on Friday. 'Nat's a pretty open-minded kid. That's down the track, so maybe, who knows? But he's contracted here for another two years, so that's what he's doing. 'I don't think he reads too much stuff (so it doesn't worry him). He's got his own little circle, so I don't think he's too fussed. 'I'm sure he'd be able to play OK (if he did go to rugby). I don't think he's ever played. He'd have to avoid all the rucks, kick and goal kick, so he'd go all right.' While the rugby rumours are generating interest for now, the Clearys are more worried about an important game against the Wests Tigers who boast several former Penrith premiership stars. Luai, Api Koroisau and Sunia Turuva will all be there on Sunday, but it's nothing new for Ivan, who has coached against several of his former stars over the years, including last week when former Panthers Isaiah Iongi and J'maine Hopgood – as well as Penrith junior Ryley Smith – lined up for the Eels. 'I've got to say, you kind of get used to it over the years facing up against guys that we loved and were a big part of the team,' Cleary said. 'Romey (Luai) was certainly one of those, as was Tito (Turuva) and Api, so there a few there, but there were three the week before at Parra, too. 'It makes it interesting, for sure. Our games against the Tigers are always tough and they always seem to bring their best against us. I'm sure it'll be the same this week.' Sunday's clash will be the first time that Cleary and Luai have squared off in the NRL, with the pair winning four titles together in the halves during Penrith's incredible run. They did play against each other when they were juniors coming through the ranks, while Cleary got the better of his great mate when Australia beat Samoa in the World Cup final a few years ago. 'It looks like he's made an immediate impact which I always thought he would, and they probably did as well,' Ivan said, impressed with Luai's kicking game at his new club. 'It's been a real highlight for them. He's playing some good footy, he's steering the team well and he's doing a pretty good job.'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Honesty session that inspired Panthers' crucial win
Penrith drew a line in the sand while their superstars were away in State of Origin camp, meeting for an honesty session that helped inspire the crucial win over Parramatta. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary had publicly called on the squad to begin realising their potential after they suffered their biggest loss of the year to strugglers Newcastle in round 12. The four-time reigning premiers had sputtered into last place on the ladder and would've sat there later in the season than any defending premiers since 1953 if they lost to the Eels in round 13. Without their five NSW representatives, including Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, hooker Mitch Kenny and the remaining senior players convened the squad for some tough love before the Eels game. "All of us got together... and put the line in the sand, what needs to be better, especially standards-wise," centre Casey McLean told AAP. "It was a player-driven thing. All the boys kind of knew what needed to happen." The focus of the heart-to-heart session was to remind the players that results would continue to be lacklustre without a lift in training intensity. "Just flip that switch at training, just training habits and things like that led into what happened (against the Eels)," McLean said. Star halfback Cleary noticed the lift in intensity on return from Origin duties, admitting the club's standards may have slipped during a disappointing 2025 season. "A few of the boys were talking about how hard the week at training had been," he said. "Maybe that's where we'd been lacking, just dropping our standards a little bit. I thought young guys like Casey were really good." McLean had his best game of the year against the Eels, scoring a try and setting one up to help the Panthers to the kind of gritty win that became their trademark in four premiership seasons. The improved performance was the latest twist in a rollercoaster first 12 months in the NRL for McLean, who was dropped to reserve grade after the round-eight loss to Manly. Conversations with coach Cleary reassured the 19-year-old during his two weeks out of the NRL team. "He just says it's a journey. Not everything's going to be highs, so you've got to ride the lows as well," McLean said. "It's just all learning, you can't take things as negatives. You've got to take everything as a positive, find ways to improve, move forward and this (18-10 win over the Eels) showcases what happens, I suppose." Penrith drew a line in the sand while their superstars were away in State of Origin camp, meeting for an honesty session that helped inspire the crucial win over Parramatta. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary had publicly called on the squad to begin realising their potential after they suffered their biggest loss of the year to strugglers Newcastle in round 12. The four-time reigning premiers had sputtered into last place on the ladder and would've sat there later in the season than any defending premiers since 1953 if they lost to the Eels in round 13. Without their five NSW representatives, including Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, hooker Mitch Kenny and the remaining senior players convened the squad for some tough love before the Eels game. "All of us got together... and put the line in the sand, what needs to be better, especially standards-wise," centre Casey McLean told AAP. "It was a player-driven thing. All the boys kind of knew what needed to happen." The focus of the heart-to-heart session was to remind the players that results would continue to be lacklustre without a lift in training intensity. "Just flip that switch at training, just training habits and things like that led into what happened (against the Eels)," McLean said. Star halfback Cleary noticed the lift in intensity on return from Origin duties, admitting the club's standards may have slipped during a disappointing 2025 season. "A few of the boys were talking about how hard the week at training had been," he said. "Maybe that's where we'd been lacking, just dropping our standards a little bit. I thought young guys like Casey were really good." McLean had his best game of the year against the Eels, scoring a try and setting one up to help the Panthers to the kind of gritty win that became their trademark in four premiership seasons. The improved performance was the latest twist in a rollercoaster first 12 months in the NRL for McLean, who was dropped to reserve grade after the round-eight loss to Manly. Conversations with coach Cleary reassured the 19-year-old during his two weeks out of the NRL team. "He just says it's a journey. Not everything's going to be highs, so you've got to ride the lows as well," McLean said. "It's just all learning, you can't take things as negatives. You've got to take everything as a positive, find ways to improve, move forward and this (18-10 win over the Eels) showcases what happens, I suppose." Penrith drew a line in the sand while their superstars were away in State of Origin camp, meeting for an honesty session that helped inspire the crucial win over Parramatta. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary had publicly called on the squad to begin realising their potential after they suffered their biggest loss of the year to strugglers Newcastle in round 12. The four-time reigning premiers had sputtered into last place on the ladder and would've sat there later in the season than any defending premiers since 1953 if they lost to the Eels in round 13. Without their five NSW representatives, including Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, hooker Mitch Kenny and the remaining senior players convened the squad for some tough love before the Eels game. "All of us got together... and put the line in the sand, what needs to be better, especially standards-wise," centre Casey McLean told AAP. "It was a player-driven thing. All the boys kind of knew what needed to happen." The focus of the heart-to-heart session was to remind the players that results would continue to be lacklustre without a lift in training intensity. "Just flip that switch at training, just training habits and things like that led into what happened (against the Eels)," McLean said. Star halfback Cleary noticed the lift in intensity on return from Origin duties, admitting the club's standards may have slipped during a disappointing 2025 season. "A few of the boys were talking about how hard the week at training had been," he said. "Maybe that's where we'd been lacking, just dropping our standards a little bit. I thought young guys like Casey were really good." McLean had his best game of the year against the Eels, scoring a try and setting one up to help the Panthers to the kind of gritty win that became their trademark in four premiership seasons. The improved performance was the latest twist in a rollercoaster first 12 months in the NRL for McLean, who was dropped to reserve grade after the round-eight loss to Manly. Conversations with coach Cleary reassured the 19-year-old during his two weeks out of the NRL team. "He just says it's a journey. Not everything's going to be highs, so you've got to ride the lows as well," McLean said. "It's just all learning, you can't take things as negatives. You've got to take everything as a positive, find ways to improve, move forward and this (18-10 win over the Eels) showcases what happens, I suppose."
