In a recent interview, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary shared that he had declined an offer to join England’s Super League and reflected on his ambitious approach to neutralize St Helens star Jack Welsby during the 2023 World Club Challenge—a plan that ultimately didn’t go as expected. Cleary’s honesty about his coaching choices provides a rare look at the high-stakes decisions in top-tier rugby league.
Cleary, who has been instrumental in guiding the Panthers to consecutive NRL titles, revealed that a tempting offer from a Super League club was on the table. Despite considering the move, Cleary decided against it, choosing instead to remain with the Panthers to pursue further success in the NRL. His dedication to the team and its trajectory ultimately solidified his choice.
The coach also opened up about his strategic approach to the World Club Challenge, where his Panthers team faced off against the reigning Super League champions, St Helens. A major focus of Cleary’s game plan was on containing Welsby, who has gained a reputation as one of rugby league’s most promising young players. Cleary’s intent was to minimize Welsby’s impact through intense defensive pressure. However, Welsby managed to break through the Panthers’ defense multiple times, leading St Helens to an unexpected victory. Cleary admitted the plan backfired, with Welsby’s skill and agility catching the Panthers off-guard and playing a key role in St Helens’ success.
Reflecting on the loss, Cleary emphasized the importance of learning from the experience. He recognized Welsby’s ability to adapt under pressure and praised St Helens for their impressive performance. Looking forward, Cleary is committed to refining his team’s strategies and focusing on areas for improvement, solidifying his position as a dedicated and adaptive coach.
Cleary’s revelations about both his coaching decisions and strategic missteps offer a rare glimpse into the intense preparation and challenges that come with leading a top NRL team. His continued commitment to the Panthers underscores his desire to build on their successes, while learning from past matches to drive future achievements.
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