LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a courageous move that shed light on his own personal struggles, Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has opened up about his mental health battle, revealing that he kept his struggles hidden from his wife.
The four-time premiership-winning coach, known for leading his team to grand final victories in the last four seasons, has bravely shared his experience in his recently-released memoir 'Not Everything Counts but Everything Matters'.
Returning to the Panthers after a stint with the Wests Tigers, Cleary faced challenges when success did not come as quickly as expected.
The pressure weighed heavily on him, especially when coaching his superstar son Nathan, leading to mental health struggles that left him feeling overwhelmed.
In moments of vulnerability, Cleary confided in his book about contemplating taking anti-depressants and feeling like the weight of the world was closing in on him.
Despite his success on the field, Cleary's candid confession offers a stark reminder that even the most accomplished figures in the NRL can face their own battles off the field.
His story serves as an important reminder that mental health should not be overlooked, even in the midst of sporting triumphs.