Just a few short years ago, Ivan Cleary’s career as a coach was at risk of being remembered for all the wrong reasons.
While he’ll tell you his 369-game run without a Premiership never really weighed on his mind, there can be no doubt the relief that came with game 370 – Penrith’s 2021 Grand Final over Souths – was immense.
That night at Suncorp Stadium, Cleary became the first coach to win a Premiership having coached more than 250 games without one. And he ridded himself of any comparisons to Brian Smith – considered by many as the best coach to never win an NRL title.
More history may get written on Sunday. No coach has won three straight Premierships in the NRL era. Cleary is already in rare air having guided his side to four straight Grand Finals, but a three-peat would be something else.
“It’s hard to explain really, I don’t know if it’s really hit me yet,” Cleary said.
“It’s hard to make any Grand Final so I’m trying to think along those lines at the moment rather than the rest, because the rest… there’s so many people involved, people who aren’t even at our club anymore, but they’ve had such an input into players and staff and coaches.”
Stephen Crichton: He makes it fun
Outgoing Penrith centre Stephen Crichton says the secret to Cleary’s success is that he encourages the players to have fun.
“He’s always told us boys to always have fun and that’s the kind of humour he has as well to cheer the boys up. No matter the result, it’s always about having fun and process driven as well,” he said.
“He’s taught me to be present and always have fun with your best mates. This is the goal we’ve dreamed of back in school and now to be finally here, there’s no point in stressing. It’s definitely about having fun and lapping up these moments as well. We probably won’t get that opportunity [again], you never know, but I’m pretty keen.”
Lindsay Smith: The little things count
Lindsay Smith is preparing for his first Grand Final on Sunday and says Cleary has been a key part of his breakout season.
“He’s just given me a lot of confidence to believe in myself and my ability and just to go out there and do my job,” he said.
“He’s unreal. A lot of things, a lot of little quotes that he says, whether that be pre-game or whenever that have resonated with myself this year. He gives you the confidence to go out there and play your footy and just enjoy it.”
Should he guide Penrith to a three-peat on Sunday night with a win over the Broncos, there is no question Cleary enters the conversation as one of the greatest coaches of the modern era.
Jarome Luai: A calming presence
“Ivan has always been that calming presence for myself,” said five-eighth Jarome Luai.
“He’s a bit like Nath, he’s helped me tap into that more because I’m a bit on the fiery side out there and I always want to run these mad plays but you’ve just got to settle down and play what’s in front of you, sort of thing.
“He’s always allowed me to be that guy I’ve want to be, and bring that personality to the team and just bring energy.
“I’m really grateful for Ivan. He’s a family kind of guy as well. He loves getting the kids around the environment and this is the culture he’s built and it’s why we’ve been so successful.”
Should he guide Penrith to a three-peat on Sunday night with a win over the Broncos, there is no question Cleary enters the conversation as one of the greatest coaches of the modern era.
