LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Ivan Cleary, the Penrith Panthers coach and three-time premiership winner, recently opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced when his son, star player Nathan Cleary, sustained a shoulder injury that will sideline him for the rest of the regular season.
Seeing a player get injured is a common occurrence in the NRL, but when it's your own flesh and blood taking a hit, it's a whole different ball game.
In a recent interview with news.com.au, Ivan admitted that it was a tough balancing act to separate his duties as a coach from his feelings as a father.
As a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience, Ivan knows the importance of refocusing and staying in the game, but when it's your own son on the sidelines, it can be a real gut punch.
Nathan, a talented halfback for the Panthers, managed to avoid surgery and is aiming for a comeback in time for the finals.
Ivan shared, "It's not that easy.
Certainly, on the weekend, I guess there was a cross between understanding the relevance to the team and where we are in the season, but also as his dad, just knowing how shattered he'd be.
There was a bit of a moment there where I had to get myself back in the present and focus on what I was doing, so it's hard."
Despite the setback, Ivan remains optimistic about Nathan's recovery and is determined to support his son through this tough time.
As they say in the world of Rugby League, it's all about bouncing back stronger and coming out on top.
And with Ivan at the helm, the Panthers are sure to tackle this challenge head-on with determination and grit.