DONE DEAL: Cameron Ciraldo Rejoices as Ivan Cleary Finally Signs New Deal with Wests Tigers to Take Over as Team Head Coach for 2025 NRL Season
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, Ivan Cleary has officially signed a new deal with the Wests Tigers, confirming his position as head coach for the 2025 season and beyond. The much-anticipated signing marks the end of months of speculation, and the beginning of what many hope will be a new era of success for the struggling club.
Cleary, who has enjoyed immense success with the Penrith Panthers over the past several years, will leave the reigning premiers to take on the challenging task of reviving the Tigers. Under his leadership, the Panthers became a dominant force in the NRL, winning back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022. His ability to develop young talent and implement a structured, attacking style of play made him one of the league’s most highly regarded coaches. Now, Cleary will bring that same expertise to a Wests Tigers team in need of a fresh direction.
The deal has been hailed as a game-changer for the Tigers, with many within the club and the wider NRL community expressing their excitement. Cameron Ciraldo, former assistant coach at Penrith and a close colleague of Cleary, was one of the first to publicly congratulate him. “Ivan is one of the best coaches in the business, and I couldn’t be happier for him,” Ciraldo said. “He’s the perfect fit for Wests Tigers. His track record speaks for itself, and I know he’ll bring stability and success to the club.”
The Tigers, who have endured a frustrating period of underachievement, have long been in search of a head coach who can take them to the next level. With Cleary’s track record of success and his ability to build championship-winning teams, there is a sense of optimism that the Tigers’ fortunes are about to change.
Cleary’s new role at Wests Tigers will see him inherit a team with a mix of promising young talent and experienced players. The challenge will be for him to unite the squad and instill the same disciplined, team-oriented culture that he fostered at Penrith. Cleary has already made it clear that he will be focusing on developing the Tigers’ younger players and creating a long-term foundation for success.
Tigers fans have been eagerly awaiting this announcement, and the news that Cleary is officially on board has sparked a renewed sense of hope. Wests Tigers CEO, Justin Pascoe, praised the signing as a turning point for the club. “We are thrilled to welcome Ivan Cleary to Wests Tigers. His leadership and success are exactly what we need to take this club forward.”
With Cleary now at the helm, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for the Wests Tigers. Fans will be hoping the new coach can deliver the club its long-awaited success and return them to their rightful place among the NRL’s elite.
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