Ivan Cleary shares embarrassing joke about son Nathan on live TV

In Australia, Ivan Cleary, the head coach of the Penrith Panthers, made headlines during a live TV interview on Channel Nine's Today show. He humorously commented on his son Nathan's relationship with Matildas star Mary Fowler, joking that Nathan was acting like a 'male version of a WAG' while in the UK. This light-hearted remark came after Nathan's recent trip to the UK, where he supported Fowler at the Super League final in Manchester. Cleary's comments reflect the growing public interest in the couple's romance, which has captured national attention. Beyond the humor, Ivan Cleary also shared insights into his personal struggles with mental health, revealing that he has faced challenges throughout his career. He discussed how he initially struggled to express his feelings, believing he should 'harden up' and not burden others with his issues. Cleary emphasized the importance of opening up, particularly to his wife, who encouraged him to share his feelings. His reflections come after a successful period for the Panthers, having won four consecutive NRL premierships. However, Cleary acknowledged that the journey to success was not without its difficulties, highlighting the emotional toll that can accompany a long career in sports. His openness about mental health aims to destigmatize the conversation around men's mental health issues. Overall, Ivan Cleary's appearance on the show combined humor with a serious message about the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the high-pressure world of professional sports.