Penrith Panthers GM Phil Gould reveals timeline on coaching decision

Penrith Panthers general manager Phil Gould has revealed when he will decide who will lead the team in the 2019 season and beyond.

Following the dismissal of head coach Anthony Griffin, former assistant Cameron Ciraldo has been given the interim role for the remainder of the year, but Gould suggested that his mind has not been made up for the permanent role.

"We just move on. We get through to the end of the season and assess how we go," Gould said on Nine's NRL coverage.

"Cameron Ciraldo will have the team and (we'll) see how he performs for the rest of the season and then we'll make a decision in the off-season (as to) what we're going to do about our future."

Gould's options to replace Griffin appear to have already dwindled to an extent with rumoured lead candidate Ivan Cleary pledging to see out his current contract with the Wests Tigers. 

Admit heavy speculation linking him with a return to Penrith, Cleary addressed the rumours in a lengthy statement to the media on Saturday.

"I am enjoying my contribution at this club. The club's growing nicely. Everyone associated with this club should be proud of the direction it's heading in," Cleary said.

"I respect all the people and supporters involved with this club and I intend to honour this contract.

Cleary suggested in his statement that he had no idea that the Panthers had approached him with intention of replacing Griffin in the coaching role.

"When I was approached by the Panthers initially I had no idea it was about coaching their club," Cleary said.

"I was told in that meeting that the club were looking at the future of the head coaching position. I advised the Panthers of my ongoing contract status with the Wests Tigers.

"I subsequently advised the chair and CEO of the Wests Tigers of the discussions I'd had with the Panthers."