Ivan Cleary
Overview
Ivan Cleary is head coach of the Penrith Panthers and one of the most successful coaches in the NRL era. He guided Penrith to four consecutive premierships from 2021 to 2024, a feat no other team has managed in the NRL era. A former NRL fullback and two-time Dally M Coach of the Year, he shares his insights on leadership, culture and building a winning team in his memoir, Not Everything Counts but Everything Matters.
Who is Ivan Cleary?
Ivan Cleary played 186 first-grade games for Manly, North Sydney, the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors, mainly at fullback and centre. A prolific goal-kicker, he scored 1,363 career points and was the NRL’s top point scorer in 1998, setting a then-record of 284 points in a season. He finished his playing career in the Warriors’ 2002 Grand Final.
He began his head coaching career with the Warriors in 2006, guiding them to the 2011 Grand Final. He then coached Penrith from 2012 to 2015 and Wests Tigers in 2017 and 2018, before returning to Penrith in 2019. Since then he has overseen the most successful period in the club’s history: four straight premierships from 2021 to 2024 and minor premierships in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Ivan was named Dally M Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2020. In May 2026 he announced he will step down as Penrith head coach at the end of the 2027 season and will stay connected to the club, with discussions ongoing about an advisory role in culture and leadership. His memoir, Not Everything Counts but Everything Matters, written with Andrew Webster, was published by HarperCollins in 2024. In it he reflects on his career, his approach to leadership and his own experience with mental health.
Career highlights
Head coach, Penrith Panthers, 2019 to present (also 2012 to 2015)
Four consecutive NRL premierships, 2021 to 2024
Minor premierships in 2020, 2022 and 2023
Dally M Coach of the Year, 2014 and 2020
Former head coach, New Zealand Warriors (2011 Grand Final) and Wests Tigers
186 first-grade games and 1,363 points as a player for Manly, North Sydney, the Roosters and the Warriors
NRL’s top point scorer in 1998, with a then-record 284 points
Author of Not Everything Counts but Everything Matters (HarperCollins, 2024)
Key speaking themes
Leadership and building high-performance teams
Creating and sustaining a winning culture
Developing and nurturing talent
Resilience, mental health and handling pressure
Lessons from a life in rugby league
Ideal for
Leadership and CEO conferences
Sales kick-offs and team offsites
High-performance and culture events
Sports and community events
Health and wellbeing events
Awards nights and gala dinners
Frequently asked questions
What does Ivan Cleary speak about?
Ivan Cleary speaks about leadership, team culture, developing talent, resilience and performing under pressure.
What is Ivan Cleary’s current role?
Ivan Cleary is head coach of the Penrith Panthers. He has announced he will step down at the end of the 2027 NRL season.
How many premierships has Ivan Cleary won?
Ivan Cleary coached the Penrith Panthers to four consecutive NRL premierships from 2021 to 2024.
Has Ivan Cleary written a book?
Yes. Ivan Cleary’s memoir, Not Everything Counts but Everything Matters, was published by HarperCollins in 2024.
Did Ivan Cleary play in the NRL?
Yes. Ivan Cleary played 186 first-grade games for Manly, North Sydney, the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors, scoring 1,363 points.
How do I book Ivan Cleary as a speaker?
Ivan Cleary is available to book through Essential Talent. Call 0508 825 368 or use the enquiry form on this page.