It’s clear the Cleary name runs through the streets of Penrith.
Just outside the Panthers Leagues Club, a giant mural captures one of the most iconic moments in the club’s history - Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo holding up four fingers after securing a historic fourth straight premiership.
It also provides a fitting backdrop for another milestone in the Cleary family.
It’s an image that tells the story of Penrith’s golden era, led by the milestone man Ivan Cleary, who will coach his 500th NRL game when the Panthers face Melbourne at AAMI Park, becoming just the seventh coach in history to reach the mark.
As part of Telstra’s 25th year as the NRL’s major partner, murals celebrating iconic moments have been unveiled across the competition as part of Together Round
And while the painted mural celebrates his son Nathan and the players who delivered Penrith’s four premierships, Ivan has been the artist sitting in the coach’s box for every one of them.
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Four premierships. Four straight. And now, 500 games.
A major milestone the master coach doesn’t want anything to do with.
“I must say it’s a surprise, but it’s just another game,” Cleary said.
“The most important thing is we play well at the moment.
“I appreciate everyone who’s helped me along the way.
Cleary’s coaching journey began in 2006 with the Warriors, where he spent five seasons before returning to Australia and taking charge of the Panthers.
There was a two-year stint at Wests Tigers in between, before Cleary made his way back to Penrith in 2019 and began building a dynasty.
Between 2021 and '24, the Panthers became the first team since the mighty St George side of the 50s and 60s to win four titles in a row, cementing Cleary as one of the game’s coaching masterminds.
His 500th game will put him alongside coaching royalty in Wayne Bennett, who leads the way with a staggering 983 games, followed by Tim Sheens 693, Craig Bellamy 625, Brian Smith 601, Ricky Stuart 564 and Des Hasler 506.
But even after reaching a milestone most coaches never come close to, Cleary’s motivation hasn’t changed.
“I love what I do. There are so many rewards to it I can’t even think of them," he said.
“I feel privileged to be here.”
In true Ivan fashion, his 500th game went largely unmentioned by some of his own players, a sign of his reluctance to make any milestone about himself.
“He’s seen everything and done everything in the game, Ivan, so hopefully we get a win for him,” said fullback Dylan Edwards.
Back-rower Scott Sorensen also pledged a special performance against the Storm, the team they beat in the 2024 decider to complete the four-peat.
“Absolutely, that would be a nice cherry on top for a win," said Sorensen.
“You know the group love him here.
“It’s an incredible milestone for him.”
Storm v Panthers: Round 25
Cleary has already confirmed he will finish his NRL coaching career at the end of the 2027 season, giving him just over another year to add to his remarkable tally.
And while the mural outside the Panthers club immortalises one of his greatest achievements, the 57-year-old isn’t interested in looking back just yet.
With Penrith having lost three of their past five games, his focus is on getting the Panthers back into form before September.
Match: Storm v Panthers
Round 25 -
home Team
Storm
11th Position
away Team
Panthers
2nd Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
