Ivan Cleary played professional rugby league for the following teams:

• Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (early 1990s)
• North Sydney Bears (1994-1995)
• Sydney Roosters (1996-1999)
• New Zealand Warriors (2000-2002)

He was a goal-kicking fullback and centre during his playing career. Cleary is noted for being the NRL's top point scorer in 1998 while playing for the Sydney Roosters.