Extra Time May 21 2026

Culture is Ivan Cleary’s true legacy

Like most Penrith supporters I was shocked when I heard that the club’s most successful coach Ivan Cleary would retire from first grade coaching and walk into the sunset in 18 months’ time.

It’s silly to suggest that he will move into a ‘coaching director/culture leadership role’ after his final game in charge at the end of 2027.

For Ivan has had that role for the last eight years at the Panthers without the fancy title. So, let’s not kid ourselves that he’ll transition into some new role.

Since his return as coach in 2019, Ivan has not only changed the culture of the club but successfully seen four of his six assistants transition into a first grade coach at three other clubs.

First there was Trent Barrett, who left half-way through 2021 to become the Canterbury Bulldogs first grade coach. Granted that promotion didn’t work out but that’s not Ivan’s fault.

Then at the end of 2022, Cameron Ciraldo left to take on the head job, also at Canterbury, a position he still holds today, while at the end of 2023 it was Andrew Webster’s turn to leave and take the top job at the Warriors in 2024, a position he still holds and is doing extremely well in.

Next it was Ben Gardiner’s turn. He left at the end of last season and in 2029 is expected to take over from Mal Meninga to become first grade coach of the Perth Bears.

So, Peter Wallace is the fifth and final coach Ivan will see take on a first grade position after serving a long apprenticeship under him.

Only this time, Wallace will succeed him in the role at Penrith.

Finally, the Panthers get to keep a coach who

will graduate from the Ivan Cleary School of Coaching and, unless there’s another miracle, Wallace will be the last to graduate.

And Wallace may even turn out to be his finest graduate. Panthers supporters hope so anyway.

Now let’s look at the next component of his future job description. Cultural leadership role.

Well, Ivan’s been doing that role too since 2019.

It’s no secret that Ivan was not overly impressed with the culture of the club when he came back for his second stint. He knew for the club to be successful, players couldn’t take short cuts at training or take a phone call while they were doing weights.

He then moved on several high profile, highly paid players who he didn’t think fit into the new culture that the club was trying to develop.

The culture at the club has changed so much

over the last eight years that it’s hard to see Wallace letting it slip back to what it was.

If anything, Wallace will enhance and build on what Ivan has so successfully developed and nurtured.

Let’s not forget Wallace has been the club’s defensive coach for the last few years, he hasn’t been sitting around twiddling his thumbs.

More importantly the players both like and respect him.

I’m not worried about the team losing any of its focus or toughness under Wallace, I mean they’ll be playing for a bloke who once played an Origin game with a ruptured testicle.

Ivan will not be lost to Penrith and his legacy will never be forgotten. One day there might even be a statue erected in front of Penrith Stadium of ‘Ivan – the Great!’.

Dyl will be back in Origin arena

NSW fullback James Tedesco believes Panthers star Dylan Edwards won’t be lost to the Origin arena forever, that’s despite the Roosters champion winning the battle for the coveted number one jersey for next Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener in Sydney.

Speaking with Extra Time at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence on Monday, 33-year-old Tedesco said he felt sorry for Edwards after the 30-year-old received a phone call from coach Laurie Daley on Sunday night informing him he wasn’t in his plans for Origin I next week.

“Yeah, it’s tough . . . I’ve gone through that myself the past couple of years with NSW and Australia,” said Tedesco, referring to his axing from all forms of representative footy last year.

“I feel like he’s been playing some really good footy. I think the selectors could have gone either way and I was happy to accept that because he’s (Edwards) been playing really well.”

Tedesco hasn’t played in the sky blue jumper since the 2024 series opener. Following an upset win by Queensland in Sydney, he was dropped for the second game and

replaced by Edwards, who was originally picked in the team before withdrawing through injury.

Tedesco said he was happy to be back in the Origin arena after a two-year hiatus but was confident that Edwards would also be back in Blue someday too.

“It’s a proud moment for me, but I do feel for Dyl,” he said.

“I feel like he’s done a great job in this jersey as well. I feel like he’s going to get another opportunity in the future.”

Panthers premiership winner and current Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton was also gutted for his former teammate, whom he won three straight Premierships with.

“Of course I feel for him,” Crichton told Extra Time

“Him and Teddy are two top star players and one of them was always going to miss out.

“I’m very excited for Teddy and I’m happy he’s back in the big arena, but I also feel for Dyl too.”

While Edwards missed out on selection, four Panthers stars were picked to play against Queensland next week: halfback Nathan Cleary, winger Brian To’o, lock and Blues captain Isaah Yeo and potential Origin debutant Casey McLean.

20-year-old McLean was named on Daley’s extended bench for Origin I

at Accor Stadium and is expected to only be used on game night in case of emergency. Nevertheless, Crichton said the young Kiwis star will take plenty out of the experience.

“He can gain confidence from it –that’s the biggest thing,” he said.

“Just being in the team is massive for young players. I don’t think he needs the confidence but rubbing shoulders with a lot of the big names

from other teams and knowing it’s not too far away can do wonders.

“I remember my first experience and when you go back to clubland you grow another leg, so I’m sure that he’s going to enjoy it.”

Crichton and McLean are often compared to each other by rugby league fans and pundits due to their size, athleticism and the fact they play the same position.

Crichton said he’s heard the comparisons and can’t wait to train – and potentially play – alongside McLean for the first time.

“I played a lot with his older brother Jesse when I was at Penrith, but I never knew Case,” he admitted.

“The way he’s been playing his footy lately, his athleticism is crazy too. I’m keen to rub shoulders with him, train with him, and pick his brain as well.”

BEHIND THE GAME

Country kid doing it for family

Country kid Billy Phillips has played all but one game for the Penrith Panthers this year, but he has managed to remain under the radar from the masses.

To clarify, under the radar to anyone who isn’t a die-hard Panthers fan.

Phillips gets on the field, completes his tackles, takes his carries and does it all without much fuss.

Behind the scenes, the Panthers have been so impressed with Phillips, his contract has been extended until the 2029 NRL season.

He’s played 11 games in the NRL and has already been tipped to be a Panthers forward of the future, hoping to fill the holes left by Premiership winners Liam Henry and Scott Sorensen come the end of the year.

The faith filters all the way to Lake Cargelligo, Phillips’ hometown, who already see the 21-year-old as a celebrity.

“I know all the little kids out there, they all sort of look up to me now which is pretty good, it feels unreal,” Phillips reflected.

“I know when I go back home next, I’ll be a superstar of the town.

“It doesn’t feel like that now, but I know it will be like that.”

To get him to where he is now and to have the chance to make a name for himself, Phillips credits his family.

“I would say my parents, partner and my older brother as well, all their support has been pretty huge for me,” he told Behind the Game

“Moving from the country and coming up here it was a big sacrifice I had to make to be where I wanted to be. Mum and Dad were big throughout that whole process.

“My older brother did the same thing at the Dragons, and it didn’t work out for him, so I just wanted to do him proud as well.”

with Emily Chate

Coffee order: Iced caramel latte

Cheat meal: Frangos

Favourite movie: ‘Edge of Tomorrow’, ‘Wolf of Wall Street’

Favourite musician: Central Cee

Who did you support growing up: Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys

Pet peeve: When people crack their knuckles

Go to streaming service: Netflix

Keeper of biggest secret

Secret keeper: Ivan Cleary approached Panthers Chairman Peter Graham a couple of weeks into the season to inform him that he wouldn’t be extending his time as head coach beyond 2027. Graham then kept the secret for several weeks while a game plan was worked out, before Matt Cameron, Greg Alexander and Shane Elford joined the cone of silence. The rest of the Board was made aware about a week before the big announcement last Wednesday. Cleary had made up his mind some time ago and while a “general offer” existed from Penrith over an extension, no formal discussions were ever had as he was firm in his decision. It likely offers truth to Cleary’s claim he doesn’t intend to coach in the NRL beyond 2027. The Penrith offer would have been significant – perhaps no worse than what any other club will chase him with.

Cleary’s Board move? One thing that did get mentioned to me from someone at the club over the past week is that there’s a Panthers Board election in early 2028. If Ivan Cleary legitimately does give up coaching but wants to stay connected to the club, this could be a way to do it without having a significant impact on the day-to-day football program – allowing Peter Wallace to run his own show. When you think about it, a Board position would certainly suit the “advisory role in areas such as culture and leadership” the Panthers claim Cleary is discussing with the club. It would also allow him to have other roles within rugby league. This one is worth keeping in the back of the head.

New role kicked down the road: The mysterious culture and leadership role that Ivan Cleary has at Penrith in 2028 will be discussed in more formal terms next year. While Cleary is chatting with senior management about what the role could look like, all parties will let this season play out before finalising anything of significant detail.

New Director coming: I understand that Panthers has identified a preferred candidate to join the club’s Board following the election earlier this year. A vacant spot is to be filled by an appointed Director, and that process is now well underway. We’re reasonably close to a formal announce ment, expected to happen in the next month or two.

Merch additions: If you’re collecting those Panthers bobbleheads that hit the market a couple of years ago, it’s time to expand your collection.

There’s now five available – Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o (at least we think it’s him), Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin.

Magic move: With nine NRL games to squeeze into Magic Round next year, officials have opted to move the Women’s State of Origin match that is usually scheduled on the Thursday night to Townsville. It means the extra NRL game will be played on Thursday, extending Magic Round itself to four days.

Penrith to host Origin? Talking of Women’s Origin, one whisper up at Magic Round was that Penrith’s new Helloworld Stadium is almost certain to host one of the matches in next year’s series. It’ll be a great way to showcase the new stadium to the wider rugby league community.

Daley’s blunder: The Blues opted to use a YouTube live stream to announce the team for Origin I. We can only hope their training sessions go better than the fumbling stream, which started without sound and looked amateurish. The biggest blunder though came from coach Laurie Daley who announced

Casey McGuire had made the team. McGuire hasn’t played in the NRL since 2012 and is a Queenslander. Daley of course meant Casey McLean, who has been named as 19th man.

Spotted: The Penrith squad watching a little bit of the Warriors v Broncos clash from the tunnel at Suncorp Stadium at Magic Round last weekend.

A Panther no-show: No Penrith players attended the New South Wales media session on Monday at Sydney Olympic Park. The travel schedule following Sunday night’s Magic Round clash in Brisbane was to blame. But you have to ask: If your captain (Isaah Yeo) wasn’t going to be available and your chief playmaker (Nathan Cleary) also wasn’t going to be there, why not shift the media opportunity to Tuesday – which was considered a day off for the squad?

Top of the table showdown: While there’s a number of scenarios being workshopped, I’m hearing that Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o (and Casey McLean if he gets a run) are all likely to back up from Origin I to play in the top of the table showdown with the Warriors on Sunday, May 31. The Panthers have a slightly more comfortable run during the Origin period than in previous years. The likely game where players would be rested is the Round 16 match against the Gold Coast –which follows Origin II.

Spotted: She may have been a shock omission from the Pantherettes this year, but former Panthers cheerleader Chloe Carter is still repping the club – spotted modelling some of the new supporters gear for the Panthers Shop.

Got some goss? If you have some gossip, we want to hear about it! Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com. au.

“There wasn’t much between them. Dylan has done nothing wrong. It’s more about the style of football we want to play and what we think is best suited for us in game one.”

“I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be Kangaroos coach in a World Cup. It’s very humbling.”

THEY SAID IT...

“It’s a true bucket list experience – where the best sport in the world, rugby league, meets the world’s entertainment capital. In 2027 the event will be even bigger with an expanded week of experiences. We’ll welcome teams from three Australian states alongside two Super League clubs, bringing together passionate supporter bases from both hemispheres in one spectacular setting.”

“Nick Politis gets his man. Ivan may have no plans, but if Uncle Nick comes banging...”

“What do they get out of that? Who cares, honestly.”

“Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs.”

“I’ve always tried to stand on my own two feet. I don’t like leaning on people too much. I don’t like using Nathan or Dad. To me they are my amazing brother and Dad.” Indi Cleary on the ‘What Are We Drinking?’ podcast

NRL LADDER & FIXTURES

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

LAST WEEK’S POINTS: PANTHERS VS TEAM

RAIDERS BULLDOGS

RAIDERS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

DOLPHINS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS DRAGONS TITANS RABBITOHS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS

EAGLES RABBITOHS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

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