The Shocking Phone Call That Transformed Ivan Cleary's Life Forever

Ivan Cleary's rise to coaching greatness in the NRL is a story of uncertainty, perseverance, and a dash of destiny. The journey that has seen him become one of the most respected figures in the sport, with a tenure marked by success and challenges, is one that he reflects on with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. At the heart of this journey was a pivotal decision, a call that changed everything, redirecting Cleary from a life away from the limelight of professional rugby league to the very center of it.

The man who would eventually lead teams to victory in the NRL Premiership had once set his sights outside of the sports arena, or so it seemed for a moment in time. Cleary had made the decision to pursue an opportunity in the Super League, a choice that seemed promising at the time. However, as fate would have it, this path was not meant to be the defining one for him. The calling was there, but it wasn't the league that beckoned; it was the call to coach, to lead, to inspire.

In a move that would come to symbolize his courage and intuition, Cleary made the bold decision to back out of the Super League contract. It was a choice not made lightly, coming with its share of risks and uncertainties. The Super League offered a guaranteed path, one that many would envy and few would relinquish. Yet, Cleary's heart was elsewhere, his true passion lying in the art of coaching, in the tactical battles of the game, and in the development of young players.

However, before his coaching career could take off, Cleary found himself exploring another path altogether, one far removed from the adrenaline of the sports field: real estate. It was a career that promised stability and comfort but lacked the fire that truly drove him. The experience, though valuable, was a brief sojourn into the unknown, a foray into a world that wasn't truly his. The lure of the game was too strong, the call to arms of the rugby league too compelling to ignore. Cleary knew that his true calling was in the dugout, not in the property market.

The journey back to the NRL was marked by challenges, disbelief, and eventual vindication. It was not a straightforward path but one that was paved with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for the game. Cleary's story is one of turning points and epiphanies, of moments that could have been setbacks but became stepping stones to greatness.

Today, as he looks back on the journey, it's clear that the decision to back out of the Super League contract was not just a turning point in his career but a defining moment in his life. It was a choice that required courage, conviction, and a deep understanding of his own ambitions. It set him on a path that would eventually see him stand as one of the most respected coaches in the NRL, a testament to the power of true calling and the determination of the human spirit.