What I find weird about all this is that the narrative for the last 8 months has been about how the Clearys are still upset about the way Ivan was cut by Penrith, and that's as much why Nathan was a good chance of playing with his Dad at Tigers.
Gould says he's cool with Nathan wanting to play for his Dad, and according to the papers it reaches tipping point that the coach (Hook) goes as last play to keep the players happy.
Bearing in mind dropping the coach for player power is a big reason for the "basket-case" drama Tigers have had for the last 6 years.
But that narrative about the Clearys being upset at Penrith - suddenly the papers wipe that under the table because some Penrith dude who isn't Phil Gould has reportedly approached Cleary.
And as I understand, coaches are not subject to anti-tampering, so you can offer any coach a deal at any time - no biggie there.
But what argument is there towards why Ivan would be considering this? Not getting into his head or trying to figure out "what kind of man he is", but what could possibly make a person return to their old employer who unceremoniously fired them a couple of years ago. Remember that because of the Penrith move, Ivan was without a regular gig for a few seasons and before Tigers may not necessarily have returned to the coaching fold at all.
Also as I understand Tigers don't have to release Cleary, but then it begs the question do you really want to keep a coach who wants out? That cannot be a good situation.
Certainly keeping people on their toes. Ivan would be Wests Tigers public enemy #1 if he left… it would certainly push Slimy Fart to #2 for a while.
And then Wayne Bennett being on the outer at Brisbane and Seibold possibly making a move... interesting times. A club is going to miss out somewhere.
Big presser today for Cleary, he will have to have something substantial to say.
I would not be surprised at all if we see Ivan Cleary emerge from all this with a contract extension from the Tigers.
