NRL: Warriors chatter inevitable as Ivan Cleary becomes free agent

Ivan Cleary's future at the Panthers has been under a cloud since late August, when league commentators suggested he could make a return to the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

The stunning news of Ivan Cleary's sacking by Penrith has quickly caught the attention of New Zealand league fans after recent rumours suggested the former Warriors coach was in line to make return to his old club.

Reports tonight confirmed Cleary will depart Penrith despite having a year remaining on his contract with former Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin touted as his replacement.

Cleary's future at the Panthers has been under a cloud since late August, when league commentators Matt Johns and Mark Geyer suggested he could make a return to the Warriors and replace current coach Andrew McFadden for 2016.

Warriors managing director Jim Doyle strongly denied the rumours and reiterated his support for McFadden who is contracted until the end of 2017.

However, Cleary's predicament will give life to the discussion of him potentially returning to the club he represented both as a player (2000-2002) and coach (2006-2011), and will add to the pressure and expectations upon McFadden to deliver next season.

With Kiwis co-captain Issac Luke and fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck arriving as two of the greatest signings in the club's history, to add to the abundance of talent already on board, including Shaun Johnson and captain Simon Mannering, the Warriors shape up as being genuine top four contenders and a top eight berth is non-negotiable.

Despite taking the Panthers to within one game of the 2014 grand final and his side being decimated by injuries this season, Cleary has been ruthlessly shown the door by Penrith boss Phil Gould, confirming that a coach's survival is dependent on results.

The Warriors' campaign was also affected by injuries to key players and both sides struggled to a 9-15 win-loss record, with the Panthers fortunate to finish 11th after being in danger of claiming the wooden spoon, and the Warriors slumping to 13th after losing their last eight games.

The expectation for next season is that McFadden will right the ship and steer this Warriors team to their first finals campaign since Cleary's 2011 side ventured all the way to the grand final.

He will be under pressure from the word go and Cleary's potential availability will loom like a shadow should things go sour.