Painful death: Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary died with Parramatta eels manager Jason Ryles in a plane crash…..

In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and Parramatta Eels manager Jason Ryles were tragically killed in a plane crash yesterday evening. The small chartered plane, en route from Sydney to Brisbane, went down in a remote area near the New South Wales-Queensland border.

Cleary, the mastermind behind the Panthers’ recent dominance in the NRL, and Ryles, a highly respected figure in the Eels’ management team, were both traveling to attend an exclusive league leadership summit aimed at furthering discussions on the future of the sport. The plane, carrying only a few passengers, encountered severe mechanical difficulties shortly after takeoff. Witnesses reported hearing strange sounds coming from the aircraft before it plummeted to the ground, igniting a fiery explosion on impact.

Emergency services arrived swiftly, but there were no survivors. The loss of Cleary and Ryles has left both their clubs and the wider NRL community reeling. Cleary, a beloved coach with an impressive legacy, led the Panthers to multiple premierships and was regarded as one of the game’s greatest tacticians. Ryles, known for his sharp administrative skills and strategic acumen, was instrumental in guiding the Eels toward a promising future.

Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary, Ivan’s son, issued a heartfelt statement saying, “Dad was my hero, both on and off the field. This loss is beyond words.” Similarly, the Parramatta Eels released a somber tribute to Ryles, calling him a cornerstone of the club’s resurgence in recent years.

The NRL has pledged support to the grieving families and vowed to honor the legacies of these two extraordinary men who dedicated their lives to the sport they loved.