just in: panthers captain nathan cleary made a shocking speech after his father’s last game as head coach
in an emotional turn of events, nathan cleary delivered a stunning speech moments after the penrith panthers’ final game under head coach ivan cleary. as the players gathered in the sheds, reporters were expecting the usual fare—thanks to the fans, praise for the team, and reflections on another grueling season. instead, nathan took the microphone and stunned everyone with a heartfelt and brutally honest tribute to his father.
“people think the toughest thing in footy is playing through injury, losing a grand final, or copping criticism from the media,” nathan began, his voice unsteady. “but for me, the hardest part was knowing that one day, this moment would come—where my old man wouldn’t be in my corner as coach anymore.”
the room fell silent. even the most battle-hardened players—men like james fisher-harris and isaah yeo—were seen wiping their eyes.
“he’s been more than a coach to this club. he built a dynasty. but to me, he’s been the man who’s pushed me to be better every single day—sometimes in ways i hated, sometimes in ways i didn’t understand at the time. but looking back, i get it now. he wasn’t just coaching me to be a better footballer. he was teaching me how to lead, how to take responsibility, how to deal with pressure when the whole world’s watching.”
he took a deep breath, glancing toward ivan, who stood with his arms crossed, his face unreadable.
“dad, i know you don’t like this kind of stuff, and you’ll probably tell me later i talked too much, but i need to say this—thank you. for every hard truth, for every sacrifice, for putting this club before yourself. penrith will never be the same without you, and neither will i.”
with that, nathan walked over and embraced his father in a hug that said everything words couldn’t. the players erupted in cheers, the emotion in the room undeniable. reporters, usually quick to dissect every word, stood frozen, knowing they had just witnessed a moment that would be talked about for years.
ivan, always the man of few words, finally spoke. “it was never about me. it was always about you boys. and now, it’s your time.”
and just like that, the cleary era at penrith had ended—not with a press conference or a headline, but with a moment of raw, unfiltered love between a father and a son who had built something truly special together.
