Coach Ivan Cleary Shares Struggles When Son Nathan Was Injured

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has opened up about the emotional difficulty of balancing his roles as a father and a coach after his son, star halfback Nathan Cleary, suffered a shoulder injury during a recent match against the Storm. The injury, which will sideline Nathan for the remainder of the regular season, left Ivan visibly upset, highlighting the personal toll of such incidents on family dynamics within professional sports. In a candid reflection, Ivan acknowledged the struggle of separating his professional responsibilities from his parental instincts. He expressed the challenge of focusing on the team's needs while grappling with the emotional impact of seeing his son in distress. "It's not that easy," he remarked, emphasizing the duality of his feelings as both a coach and a father during such trying moments. Despite the setback, Ivan reassured fans that Nathan is coping with the disappointment, noting that the injury could have been worse based on initial scans. He also mentioned that Nathan had previously dealt with hamstring issues, which allowed him to strengthen his condition during recovery. The Panthers have faced a tumultuous season, with several key players, including Nathan, Dylan Edwards, and James Fisher-Harris, missing significant game time due to injuries and suspensions. Nevertheless, Ivan remains optimistic, stating that the team is prepared to navigate the challenges ahead as they aim to maintain their position in the top two of the league.