Ivan Cleary lifts the lid on surprise appearance in NSW coaching box
The Penrith Panthers coach has sought to play down his surprise appearance in the NSW Blues coaches box for Origin III.
It was a subtle moment in State of Origin III, but the sight of Ivan Cleary joining NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler in the coaches box was more than enough to set tongues wagging. The Penrith Panthers coach has sought to play down any ulterior meaning to his presence however, explaining that he had no interest in auditioning for the job should Fittler be moved on by the Blues.
After losing the first two games, Fittler may have earned a stay of execution following the 24-10 win in the game three dead rubber - however the sight of Cleary prompted further speculation that he may not be out of the woods just yet, Cleary though, explained he had simply been invited to the box by Cleary and enjoyed getting to see the action from the position of an unofficial assistant coach.
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Saying the entire scenario was 'not a story', Cleary insisted that his cameo in the coaches box had simply been a by-product of his long-standing friendship with Fittler. He was quick to praise Fittler's work, which, despite the uninspiring 2023 Origin series, has still netted three series victories since his appointment ahead of the 2018 trilogy.
Had some fun with Ivan Cleary today.
He called his cameo in Freddy’s box a ‘non-story’ but we did our best to get some insight into his time assisting during Origin 3 … and whether he’d accept an invitation again in the future.
FULL STORY 👇🏽 https://t.co/2NysgPUwt0— Zac Bailey (@ZacBailey14) July 17, 2023
Cleary quipped that it had been 10 years since he'd been in a coaches box in such a capacity, when he was an assistant for the New Zealand Warriors. It was a mutually beneficial exchange, with Fittler also noting in the wake of game three that Cleary had been a helpful voice in the room.
“I was really fortunate and quite humbled to be able to sit in the box with Freddy. I really enjoyed the night. I loved it," Cleary said.
“We played together 25 years ago and have known each other a long time. He asked me to go in and I thought it would be some good education for me. If I could help along the way then that would be good.
“I sat back in the cheap seats – actually, they’re not that cheap – and really enjoyed the night. I learnt a bit, myself.
“I sit in the coach’s box every week and do my role, but it’s been a while since I’ve been an assistant coach, not since the New Zealand team 10 years ago. It was a different perspective being able to sit there with all care and no responsibility.
“I didn’t do anything. Freddy was in control. It’s pretty clear that the team followed the game plan which probably didn’t happen in the first couple of games. I was really happy for him because I think he’s done a great job over the six years.”
Brad Fittler praises Ivan Cleary after Origin sighting
The sight of Cleary joining the Blues' coaching box almost immediately caught the attention of rugby league observers, especially considering the scrutiny Fittler was under heading into the match. Of interest was the fact that the Blues have veered away from the Panthers combination of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, largely due to injury.
“I’m impressed with him the way he handles games and I thought he might be able to help tonight. I asked him a lot of questions... and he came up with pretty good answers," Fittler said.
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