NRL 2022: Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary sidelined with blood clots in lung and leg

Struck down by a potentially fatal blood clot, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary made a bizarre request from his intensive care bed.

Ivan Cleary has declared he is “very lucky” after being admitted to the ICU with a blood clot in his lung and leg.

The premiership-winning Penrith coach has detailed his health “scare” which has left him on medication and unable to travel by plane to coach the NRL heavyweights this weekend.

The NRL’s most-wanted man, assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo, will lead the Panthers for a second successive week, against the Warriors at Redcliffe on Saturday, leaving Cleary to watch on from his western Sydney living room again.

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Cleary wanted to drive nearly 2000 kilometres over 21 hours, through day and night, to coach his frontrunning Panthers – only to be denied on doctor’s instructions over fears he could develop further complications, including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Cleary’s blood clots, which could have led to serious complications including organ damage, and in some cases have proven fatal, are believed to have been triggered by almost seven weeks of immobility from an infection in his knee.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has been getting around on crutches.

The 51-year-old was admitted to the Mater Hospital last Saturday, leaving Ciraldo to guide the Panthers to their 42-6 win over the Knights on Sunday.

“It was a bit of a scare on the weekend,’’ Cleary said.

“I had a blood clot in my leg which ended up in my lungs as well, so when that happens they send you straight to hospital.

“I was in the ICU for a night. I was very lucky. I got good help at the Mater Hospital.

“They were outstanding there and I was out by Sunday and I came home and watched the game.

“It’s (blood clots) because of this knee issue I’ve had and basically a lack of movement.

“I’ve just got to be on medication for a while.

“I can’t fly for a while, so it’s another game off (for me).

“I’m lucky I’ve got good staff and players that know exactly what they’re doing.’’

Cleary was first struck down by a knee complaint six weeks ago. He underwent surgery before the injury flared up again a week later, prompting a further operation.

Renowned for his unflappable and nonchalant nature, Cleary attempted to play down the magnitude of his situation.

“I broached the idea of getting in the car, but I think 20 hours in the car is not going to help me either at the moment,’’ Cleary said.

“I’ve done 300-odd games and not missed any and this is the fourth I’ve missed this year.

“I don’t like watching it on TV, I’m just lucky the boys have gone well each time.

“I’m alright, it’s a bit of a drag, but I’ll get there.’’

Luckily for Cleary, the Panthers don’t have another interstate clash until round 25 against the Cowboys in Townsville.

Asked why he wasn’t at home resting instead of turning up to Thursday’s training session, Cleary replied: “This is my job and I love it.

Ivan Cleary has missed four Panthers games this season because of his health problems. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

“It makes me feel like I’m doing something useful.

“I’m alright, it’s a bit of a drag, but I’ll get there. It’s not a bad little test case (for the team), to see everyone step it up and that’s what we’re trying to do as a club.

“We have that next-man up mentality and everyone knows their job.

“I don’t think you can underestimate the power of teamwork.’’

Panthers group chief executive Brain Fletcher said rest would help Cleary recover.

“Ivan has just been unlucky,” Fletcher said. “These things happen from time to time.

“The only thing that fixes it is rest but it’s hard to rest for a bloke in his position. He wants to be on top of things.

“He will get them ready to go to Redcliffe and will watch it on the couch.

“We’ve got a couple of byes coming up too which is good. He should have himself fit and healthy at the right end of the season.”

THE CIRALDO COACHING CHASE

Cleary also addressed the target, focusing firmly on Ciraldo, who is being headhunted by the Bulldogs and Wests Tigers, to become their head coach.

The Penrith mentor warned his 37-year-old assistant against making the wrong call.

“Cam’s obviously a wanted man and rightly so,’’ Cleary said.

Panthers assistant Cameron Ciraldo.

“He’s a good coach, a good person and he’s going to make a great head coach whenever he decides to take that opportunity.

“Of course, I’d like him to stay.

‘’He’s my mate and I feel like I’d like to help him in his own career and what he wants.

“He’s a smart guy Cam, I don’t think he’s in any hurry.

“I think he’s in a good position where he can take his time and make sure he picks the right job.

“Because one thing is for sure, if you don’t pick the right job, it can be a pretty short career.

“Craig Fitzgibbon is a good one to look at.

“He was in a similar position to Cam for a long time and it looks like he’s landed a pretty good one (at Cronulla).

“There’s a lot that goes into it and one thing is, going from assistant to head coach, it’s a totally different world, so you need a lot of things to line up to help support him.’’

Originally published as NRL 2022: Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary sidelined with blood clots in lung and leg