OFFICIAL: Wests Tigers Release Ivan Cleary, Appoint Michael Maguire As New Head Coach

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The Wests Tigers have officially released Ivan Cleary from the remainder of his contract. 

Despite having two-years remaining, Cleary was released to join the Penrith Panthers after months of speculation. 

"On behalf of everyone at Wests Tigers I would like to thank Ivan for the work he did during his time at the club," Club Chair Marina Go said in a statement. 

"Ivan oversaw a period of significant change at Wests Tigers and his work will leave a positive impact on the club." 

Cleary sent a text message to Wests Tigers playing group confirming the move on Saturday night. 

NRL.com first obtained the message that was sent from Cleary. 

"G'day boys "I hope this finds you well and enjoying your time off,” Cleary said. "I was writing to you in the hope of beating the press.. to let you know that I will no longer be your coach at Wests Tigers. "This is an extremely uncomfortable situation for me as I have genuine fondness for the club, and I have loved coaching you all.. I understand that this situation has caused some pain for people that I care about, along with putting the club in an awkward situation... I do not feel good about this. "I would have preferred to do this in person but time and circumstances have made that impossible. I hope we meet again soon and I wish you all the very best in the future. You have my number and I am always open for a chat if you wish. Iv."

Cleary will shortly be announced as the head-coach of the Panthers on a five-year-deal. 

According to Triple M NRL's Brent Read, the five-year deal is a financial monster for Cleary when taking into account son, Nathan's, contract. 

Macro alias: EmbedlyUrl

The Tigers announced Maguire as the club's new head coach on a three-year-deal, that will see for Premiership winning coach juggle the NRL with the New Zealand job. 

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"The biggest appeal in taking on this role is being able to work with the leadership that has been built on and off the field at Wests Tigers," Maguire told the club's website.

"It's one of the biggest clubs in the NRL and I want to take it to long-term success.

"I plan on building on the strong foundation that has been put in place and work closely with the players' leadership group to build a stronger organisation on and off the field. 

"I want this club to be viewed as a long-term successful club that everyone wants to be a part of and this will involve staff, players, families, Members and supporters." 

27 October 2018




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