Looking back, the 2024 NRL season has produced eye-watering moments on a weekly basis.
However, it has been the clinical manner in which the Panthers put the Storm away16-4 in the Grand Final that has galvanised the names Ivan and Nathan Cleary into the history of rugby league.
Nathan is among the best players I have ever seen, and his dad Ivan surely has gained his place alongside the greatest coaches ever for his feats with Penrith over the past five years.
Nathan attracts the headlines on a weekly basis because his playing feats during each game are mind-blowing.
But it is Ivan who has demonstrated to all that his name has set the benchmark for coaching in the NRL.
He does not rant and rave or throw a tantrum when things don’t go according to plan during the game.
But don’t mistake that for weakness.
When – in his opinion – it has been necessary to comment on the game officials from time to time, he has certainly made his point during press conferences.
However, it is his simple approach to the game, and coaching, that has been refreshing in an era when there are far too many egos.
There are a number of coaches who believe that, apart from the air in the ball, they have invented everything else.
He also has the skill to get every one of his players performing to their potential each week. This is a very rare coaching skill.
All his players play for their coach. To me, this is very obvious, and it is not something many coaches can achieve in this modern game.
When I look into my crystal ball, I can see no reason at all why we won’t be witnessing another Panthers Grand Final win next year.
And that is not in any way being disrespectful to the great Panthers who will start new careers in 2025 with new clubs.
I’m certain they would be the first to admit they have been lucky to play under a master coach.
