CBS news : Verified Deal due to the Club manager of penrith panthers finally Details of Ivan Cleary penrith contract show deal is for 6 years, worth $6.5 million annually, why I terminated a development signing contract with.

 

Why I Terminated My Development Contract – A Personal Reflection

 

When I signed my development deal, it was a dream come true—a foot in the door, a chance to prove myself. Being associated with a club like the Penrith Panthers, a powerhouse in the NRL, felt like a golden opportunity. The system, the success, the culture—it all seemed like the perfect place to grow. But as details emerged about the club’s long-term plans, especially with the confirmed six-year, $6.5 million-a-season contract extension for head coach Ivan Cleary, I was forced to reconsider what the future looked like for someone like me.

 

Let me be clear: Ivan Cleary is a brilliant coach. His leadership has shaped one of the most dominant teams in recent rugby league history. His vision has been proven, and the club’s investment in him reflects that. But for a young player on the edge of the first team, such a long-term commitment to one figure changes the landscape dramatically. With Cleary’s authority now cemented until the early 2030s, the strategic direction of the club is effectively set in stone. For some, that brings stability. For me, it closed a door.

 

As a development player, you’re constantly watching for chances—who’s getting injured, who’s falling out of form, who’s being rotated in. But when a club doubles down on the current regime, it often means the hierarchy of preferences will remain fixed too. Cleary knows his players, he has his core, and he’ll keep returning to that group. If you’re not already a favorite or firmly in his system, it becomes much harder to break through. That’s the reality of elite sport: talent alone isn’t always enough—timing and trust are equally important.

 

My decision wasn’t about money or a lack of gratitude. It was about trajectory. I had to ask myself: “Where am I going in the next two to three years under this structure?” The answer didn’t inspire confidence. I didn’t want to spend that time sitting in the background, training hard but never truly getting a fair shot. Development contracts are bridges, not destinations. If the path ahead is blocked, it’s better to seek a new one.

 

I also believe in growth through challenge. While Cleary’s system is proven, it’s also very structured. There’s limited room to express yourself or bring something different to the table—especially for someone still trying to find their identity in the game. I’m looking for a coaching environment where creativity is encouraged, and where I can be seen for what I bring, not how well I fit into an already rigid puzzle.

 

This wasn’t an easy choice. Walking away from a club like Penrith isn’t done lightly. But I’m not giving up—I’m taking a calculated step to find the right environment for my future. I wish Cleary and the Panthers nothing but success. Their path is clear. Now, I’m focused on finding mine.

 

 

 

If you’d like to tailor this more to your personal experience, team, or position, feel free to let me know and I can adjust the tone or specifics.

 

 

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