Startling new details emerge after Ivan Cleary's hospitalisation

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has revealed the details behind his unexpected trip to the ICU to stop a blood clot from his leg spreading to his lung.

The Panthers coach will miss this Saturday's match after he was unable to fly to Redcliffe for the reigning premiers' match against the Warriors.

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Cleary downplayed the scare on Thursday, saying the clot "wasn't as dramatic" as it sounds.

"I had a little 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. Obviously once that happens you get sent straight to the hospital.

"I got really well looked after and luckily I've got a good team behind me and we got another win up. I'm all right. It's a bit of a drag but we'll get there."

This isn't the first incident Cleary has had with the issue.

Earlier this season, Cleary's knee became infected and has twice required surgery.

However, the champion coach said he expects to be back with the team at the beginning of next month.

Cameron Ciraldo receives another audition

In Cleary's absence, assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo has received the opportunity to take over.

And the opportunity is serving as an audition with a few clubs looking closely at his performance.

"Of course I'd like him to stay," Cleary said. "But he's my mate and I'd like to help him as well in his own career and what he wants.

"I've had some experience that I could help him with but he's a smart guy and he's just working through it.

"One thing's for sure, if you don't take the right job it's a pretty short career."

Cleary said Craig Fitzgibbon had provided the perfect template for Ciraldo, as the former Sydney Roosters star served as Trent Robinson's long-term assistant before taking on the leading role with Cronulla.

with AAP

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