PNG Chiefs’ Coaching Dream Dashed as Ivan Cleary Declines Offer
The highly anticipated entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL competition in 2028 has hit a significant roadblock, with star coach Ivan Cleary reportedly ruling himself out of contention for the head coaching role. This decision is also widely expected to dampen the Chiefs’ ambitious plans to lure his son, NRL sensation Nathan Cleary, to the new franchise.
Officials from the PNG Chiefs, who are making the appointment of a senior coach a top priority as they gear up for their 2028 debut, had approached Cleary to gauge his interest. However, sources close to the situation, who remain anonymous as they are not authorised to speak publicly, have confirmed that the 54-year-old four-time premiership winner has expressed no desire to lead the new club. Cleary is currently under contract with the Penrith Panthers until the end of the 2027 season. While he has yet to commit to his coaching future beyond that, his disinterest in the Chiefs’ project is now definitive.
The Chiefs had reportedly earmarked Cleary as their preferred candidate, a sentiment shared by some high-ranking officials within the club and the NRL hierarchy. Their ambitious strategy was to secure both Ivan and Nathan Cleary on a lucrative ‘dream team’ package. The allure of tax concessions and the unique challenge of building a successful club from the ground up were presented as significant selling points, offering something no existing NRL club could match.
While the Cleary father-son duo is now off the table for the Chiefs’ coaching position, other candidates remain in the running. These include Hull KR coach Willie Peters and current PNG national coach Jason Demetriou, both of whom have publicly declared their interest in the role. Adrian Lam is also understood to be a contender. The Chiefs had also reportedly considered veteran coach Wayne Bennett, but his plans appear to be firmly set with a contract extension at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, expected to keep him at the club until the end of 2028.
The Cleary Dynasty at Penrith and Future Speculation
Ivan and Nathan Cleary extended their current contracts with the Penrith Panthers in April last year, a move that secured their futures with the club for over 18 months before they were technically free agents. The Panthers organisation has already initiated a proactive campaign, internally dubbed ‘Operation Keep Clearys,’ aimed at convincing the influential pair to commit to long-term deals.
Ivan Cleary’s decision to reject the PNG Chiefs’ advances does not automatically preclude Nathan from considering a move to the new franchise. However, it is widely anticipated that his father’s withdrawal from the coaching race will significantly influence Nathan’s own decision-making process regarding his future.
Nathan himself recently indicated a relaxed approach to his contract negotiations, stating he was in no rush to make a definitive call on his next career move. He acknowledged the importance of keeping all options open, even hinting at the unlikely possibility of a code switch to rugby.
“At the end of the day, I love where I’m at right now; to me, I haven’t really thought too much about my future because I still have two years to run on my contract,” Cleary commented earlier this month. “I understand people will start to talk about it, but it’s not in my mind at all – it still seems so far away.”
Implications for the PNG Chiefs and the NRL Landscape
The PNG Chiefs’ pursuit of a marquee coach has been a central focus as they prepare for their highly anticipated NRL debut. Ivan Cleary’s rejection undoubtedly represents a major setback, forcing them to re-evaluate their recruitment strategy. The appeal of building a new club from scratch, coupled with the potential to reunite the formidable coaching and playing partnership of the Clearys, was a compelling narrative.
The continued interest from Willie Peters and Jason Demetriou provides the Chiefs with viable alternatives. Both coaches bring valuable experience and a deep understanding of the game, and their pursuit of the PNG role signals a genuine commitment to the project. Adrian Lam’s potential candidacy also adds another layer of intrigue to the selection process.
The NRL landscape is constantly evolving, and the PNG Chiefs’ entry is a significant development. Their ability to attract top talent, both in coaching and playing ranks, will be a key indicator of their long-term viability and potential impact on the competition. While the loss of Ivan Cleary as a coaching option is a blow, the Chiefs still have the opportunity to build a competitive and exciting team for their inaugural season. The coming months will be crucial as they navigate these coaching decisions and begin to shape their roster for the 2028 season. The focus now shifts to how effectively they can pivot and secure the right leadership to guide them through this exciting new chapter.
