The Penrith Panthers have confirmed Anthony Griffin as their new head coach on a three-year deal.
"Anthony Griffin was our first choice to be head coach at the Panthers for the next three seasons," Panthers executive general manager Phil Gould said.
"Understand that we did not advertise this position. We did not accept applications and we interviewed no other candidate. We are delighted he has accepted our invitation to be the new head coach at our club.
"Anthony's experience, in particular his background in developing elite junior talent through to NRL level, made him the perfect fit for this club. We are certain he is the man to take advantage of the tremendous foundations established by our previous head coach Ivan Cleary.
"Anthony's previous club the Brisbane Broncos have long been considered the benchmark of professional rugby league worldwide. The references we received from the Broncos organisation regarding Anthony's character, work ethic, knowledge and love for the game were nothing short of impeccable. This merely confirmed in our own minds that Anthony is a valuable acquisition for Panthers."
Griffin coached the Brisbane Broncos between 2011 and 2014, following stints with the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Intrust Super Cup and an assistant coach role at the Melbourne Storm in the early 2000s.
Cleary spent four seasons at the foot of the mountains after leaving the Warriors following their 2011 grand final loss to Manly. He was sacked by the Panthers with one year remaining on his contract after Penrith narrowly avoided the wooden spoon with a final-round victory over Newcastle after an injury-hit season.