Penrith Panthers Sign Young Halfback as Nathan Cleary Considers Future
The Penrith Panthers have reportedly made a significant move in securing a talented halfback, potentially signaling their preparations for life without one of their most iconic players, Nathan Cleary. The 28-year-old star is set to become a free agent in November 2024 unless the club manages to extend his contract before then.
Cleary has not ruled out exploring opportunities on the open market, despite having spent his entire career with the Panthers. Some speculate that he could earn up to $2 million per year if he were to test the free agency market. This has led to questions about whether the Panthers are already making contingency plans for his potential departure.
Building a New Generation of Playmakers
Over the past year, the Panthers have been actively scouting and signing young playmakers to ensure they have a strong pipeline of talent ready should Cleary leave. On Sunday night, local journalist Peter Lang revealed that the club has signed another promising young player.
According to Lang, the Panthers have secured the services of 14-year-old Remy Cross, who has already gained attention for his impressive skills. Cross has represented the NSW Waratahs at the Under-14 level and has played both rugby league and union. He currently plays league for St Mary’s in the Penrith region, and the Panthers seem determined to keep him within the sport of league rather than allowing him to be lured by union.
Cross is expected to join the Harold Matthews Cup (Under-17s) team for the Panthers next season. Lang described him as a highly regarded halfback with plenty of potential, even at such a young age.
This signing adds to a growing list of young playmakers joining the Panthers in recent times. Players like Keahn Skipps, Haami Loza, and Elijah Birve have all been brought into the club, with each coming from different regions: Skipps from Canberra, Loza from Newcastle, and Birve from the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Cleary’s Open-Minded Approach
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Cleary has remained open to all possibilities. In a recent interview, he mentioned that he hasn’t closed off any avenues and is willing to explore what might be available. However, he also emphasized that it’s too early to make any firm decisions.
“I don’t know,” Cleary said. “I just didn’t want to really lock myself in too early. But I’ve always said as well that a week is such a long time in rugby league let alone a few months, so you just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Potential Factors Influencing Cleary’s Decision
Former NRL player Justin Horo weighed in on the situation, suggesting that money may not be the main factor in Cleary’s decision. Instead, he speculated that Cleary might consider moving overseas to be closer to his girlfriend, Mary Fowler.
“For Panthers fans, I would worry just a touch,” Horo said on SEN radio. “I think it has less to do with football and more to do with family and relationships. If he ever did move and go anywhere, I think he goes overseas.”
Preparing for the Future
While it remains unclear whether the Panthers are making concrete plans for Cleary’s departure, the club’s actions suggest they are taking the possibility seriously. Signing young talent like Remy Cross is a strategic move that could pay off in the long term, ensuring the team remains competitive regardless of what happens with their star halfback.
As the months progress, fans will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether Cleary ultimately chooses to stay with the Panthers or explore new opportunities elsewhere.
