Steve Deane: Cleary opens up on future dilemma

Ivan Cleary. Photo / Simon Baker

As the rumours of his impending departure swirl around league circles, Ivan Cleary has steadfastly dead-batted all questions about his future - until now.

While the Warriors coach hasn't altered the stance that he intends to at least see out a contract that expires in October 2012, he has opened up about the dilemma he faces as Australian clubs headed by the Penrith Panthers chase his services.

While the latest rumour has Cleary's 14-year-old son telling his classmates the family is already planning their return to Sydney, Cleary told the Herald any decision to quit Auckland would not be taken lightly.

After 10 years with the Warriors as a player and coach, Cleary said he feels a strong bond with the club.

"I am quite heavily emotionally invested in the club, without a doubt," he said. "Some of the key members of the team have been there since I started coaching. And seeing this new production line of players coming through - we've got seven guys out of the NYC playing this week - it's a really good thing to be part of."

Emotion, though, won't necessarily come into his decision. Warriors' chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club was in no hurry to enter into negotiations over an extension. With job opportunities for coaches at the top level limited to 16 NRL clubs and a handful of upper-tier Super League clubs, Cleary might well see the offer of a long-term deal with Penrith as a case of a bird in hand.

"I guess that is the balance thing," Cleary said. "In [the] profession of player or coach in rugby league a big part of the job is that emotional connection - being a team and that sort of stuff. Yet on the other hand you can't ignore the fact it is a profession where there are not that many jobs. I guess that is the balance you have got to consider."

While Cleary admitted he felt like he still had unfinished business at a club he has guided to three finals appearances in five compete seasons, he wouldn't say whether staying beyond 2012 was his preferred option.

That could simply be Cleary not wanting to tip his hand ahead of any negotiations, however it won't do anything to dispel the rumours he is already planning his exit.

If that is the case though, he hasn't got around to telling Scurrah.

"All I can tell you is that Ivan is on contract with us until 31 October next year," Scurrah said. "We've confirmed our commitment to Ivan about him staying with us until at least that period and Ivan has done nothing other than tell us he wants to be here. He has not requested a release in any way. There's not much more that I can tell you."