After a tumultuous period for the New Zealand Warriors, the club has announced the return of Ivan Cleary as their head coach. Cleary, a highly experienced and successful coach, had previously led the team from 2013 to 2017 before parting ways. He will now take the reins once again, replacing the departing Nathan Brown.
Cleary’s tenure with the Warriors was marked by significant improvement, and his return is seen as a positive development for the team. Under his leadership, the Warriors showed a marked increase in competitiveness and were able to secure several victories against top-tier opposition. Cleary’s experience and expertise will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the team as they look to rebuild and push for a top-eight finish in the 2026 season.
The New Zealand Warriors’ decision to bring back Cleary has been met with a mixture of excitement and skepticism from fans and pundits alike. While some see his return as a chance for the team to rediscover their former glory, others are concerned that the appointment may not be enough to stem the tide of the team’s recent decline. Regardless, one thing is certain – Ivan Cleary’s return as head coach will be a major storyline to watch in the upcoming 2026 season.