Ivan Cleary Opens Up on Balancing Fatherhood and Coaching Duties With Son Nathan Amid On-Field Challenges..

Ivan Cleary Opens Up on Balancing Fatherhood and Coaching Duties With Son Nathan Amid On-Field Challenges..

In the high-pressure environment of professional rugby league, few dynamics are as complex as that between a coach and his star player—especially when they also share the bond of father and son. For Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary, that reality has become a defining aspect of his career as he continues to guide not only his team but also his son, Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL’s brightest talents.

Recently, Ivan spoke with unusual openness about the emotional and professional challenges that come with managing this dual relationship. While the Panthers have enjoyed a golden era under his leadership—claiming premierships and building a dynasty—he admitted that the balance between being Nathan’s coach and his father is far from straightforward, particularly when the team or his son faces adversity on the field.

Ivan acknowledged that the public often sees only the polished results on game day—the tactical decisions, the victories, the leadership moments—but behind the scenes lies a constant internal battle. “It’s not as simple as switching off one role and turning on the other,” he reflected. “When Nathan struggles, as a coach I need to analyze what went wrong and how to fix it. But as a father, my first instinct is just to support him, to tell him it’s going to be okay. Blending those two is incredibly tough.”

This duality often forces Ivan to make choices that most other coaches never have to consider. For example, when Nathan is carrying an injury, the decision whether to play or rest him carries added layers of responsibility. It’s not only about the team’s chances of winning but also about his son’s long-term health and wellbeing. “You’re wearing two hats at once, and sometimes they don’t fit together,” Ivan explained.

The Clearys have been at the center of the rugby league spotlight for years, and scrutiny is nothing new. But when the Panthers stumble, both father and son often find themselves at the heart of the criticism. Ivan admits that navigating those moments has been emotionally taxing.

“Every coach gets questioned when results don’t go the right way, but when it’s your son in the middle of it too, the noise feels louder,” he said. “It’s hard not to take it personally when people criticize him, and it’s hard not to feel like they’re criticizing me at the same time.”

Nathan’s status as one of the NRL’s elite players has only amplified this scrutiny. Whether it’s a missed kick in a clutch moment or a dip in form, critics can be relentless. Ivan acknowledged that his protective instincts sometimes collide with his professional responsibilities. “As a coach, I have to hold him accountable just like anyone else in the team. But as a dad, I feel the sting of those comments. That’s probably the toughest part.”

Despite the challenges, Ivan sees the experience as an opportunity for growth—not just for Nathan but for himself as well. He explained that coaching his son has taught him lessons in patience, communication, and perspective. “I think I’ve had to become a better coach because of it. I can’t show favoritism, but I also can’t let my personal relationship cloud the way I deal with him. That forces me to be clearer, fairer, and more consistent.”

For Nathan, growing up with a father who is also his coach has been both a privilege and a weight. Ivan admits that his son probably feels the pressure more intensely than most players. “Nathan knows that everything he does reflects not just on him but on me as well. That’s a heavy responsibility for anyone, let alone a young man in the spotlight.”

What Ivan’s reflection highlights most is the human dimension of professional sport. Beneath the statistics, contracts, and trophies, there are deeply personal stories unfolding. For the Clearys, their shared journey has been one of triumph and trial, joy and strain. Ivan admitted that sometimes the boundaries blur, but he ultimately sees it as a privilege. “I’m incredibly proud of Nathan, both as a player and as a person. At the end of the day, football is football, but family is forever.”

As the Panthers push deeper into the 2025 season, the scrutiny on both coach and star halfback will only intensify. Injuries, form slumps, or high-stakes finals games will continue to test their dynamic. But Ivan believes their shared resilience will help them weather whatever challenges lie ahead.

“People sometimes think this is a disadvantage, but I see it as a gift,” he concluded. “It’s hard—sometimes very hard—but not many dads get to share these experiences with their sons at this level. It’s something I’ll always treasure, no matter the ups and downs.”

For rugby league fans, Ivan’s candid reflection is a rare window into the personal sacrifices and emotional complexities that underpin the game. For the Clearys, it’s another chapter in a remarkable story of family, football, and the fragile line between personal love and professional duty.