LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a recent sports news headline, it has been revealed that Ivan Cleary and Phil Gould have not exchanged words since a chilly phone call and some frosty TV comments.
Cleary, the Panthers coach, has decided to spill the beans on some personal topics, including his rift with Gould, after his team's spectacular grand final win.
During a candid interview, Cleary also discussed his battle with depression, his unique relationship with his star player son Nathan, and how he transformed the Penrith team into a winning machine.
In a gutsy move, he opened up about his tense ties with NRL legend Phil "Gus" Gould, as well as his thoughts on player salaries.
Surprisingly, he mentioned that the Melbourne Storm, despite their recent success, have been his main source of inspiration.
As Cleary prepares to release his upcoming book, "Not Everything Counts … But Everything Matters," he even goes toe-to-toe with his son Nathan in a no-holds-barred chapter swap.
Known for being tight-lipped in public, 53-year-old Cleary bared his soul about his struggles with mental health, admitting that there were times when he didn't even want to get out of bed.
After a rough start in his comeback to the Panthers in 2019, Cleary contemplated walking away before realizing he needed help.
In an in-depth interview, Cleary has shed light on his personal battles and triumphs, showcasing his strength both on and off the field.