Nathan Cleary’s Future and Performance on Display
Nathan Cleary, the co-captain of the Penrith Panthers, has made it clear that he is not certain about testing the market at the end of the year. However, he also emphasized that he has no intention of starting contract negotiations with the Panthers during the State of Origin series.
Cleary showcased his strategic brilliance during the match against Canberra on Sunday. One particular moment stood out – a low dropout into touch late in the game that he knew would break right and effectively end a Raiders comeback. His ability to anticipate the ball’s movement highlighted his deep understanding of the game.
Currently under contract with the Panthers until the end of 2027, Cleary has been the subject of widespread speculation regarding his future. It is reported that the 28-year-old is considering delaying the signing of a new deal until after November 1, allowing him to explore opportunities with rival clubs. The PNG Chiefs have already signed Cleary’s good friend Jarome Luai, and the potential for a tax-free salary and third-party agreements at the expansion franchise could be tempting for the four-time premiership winner.
If Cleary were to test his value on the open market, it is likely that the Chiefs and other NRL clubs would prioritize offering him a mega deal. Depending on the outcome of the next broadcast deal, Cleary could potentially command a salary of $2 million per season.
However, Cleary has expressed uncertainty about whether he will let his future drag on for that long. When asked about becoming the game’s most in-demand free agent, he said, “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know, and that won’t change between now and the Origin period. I’m not prepared to make a decision. And I don’t know why it’s such a rush. In my mind, it’s May, so it’s still ages away. I don’t even want to think about contracts through this hectic period of the year.”
The Panthers have launched “Operation Keep Clearys” at the start of the year, aiming to secure their coach and best player. CEO Matt Cameron stated, “There is a rhythm that exists once the season starts, and when we feel the time is right our chairman, Peter Graham, will engage with Ivan and Nathan to get the conversation started. We’d love Ivan and Nathan to stay. They have already played a huge role in our success and we want that to continue.”
Panthers officials confirmed on Monday that they are happy to be guided by the Clearys on when they want to open negotiations. Cleary currently leads the Dally M leaderboard after ten rounds and is set to be the first player picked for NSW when Laurie Daley announces his side for Origin I.
During the match at GIO Stadium, Cleary’s drop kick left fans and commentators stunned. The ball traveled hard and low before breaking right and trickling into touch over the 10m line. Cleary explained, “I knew it was bending – I’ve kicked the footy since I was two years old, so I have a fair idea of what a footy can do. The ball still does some pretty incredible things. But when it spins like that, I knew it was going to turn.”
He added, “I don’t like to break it down [what I do] too much because it becomes confusing. Sometimes it’s trial and error. When you kick it enough, you know where to kick it to make it bend a certain way. You practice it until you’re confident to kick it.”
Cleary mentioned that strapping his left knee was merely precautionary, while he also taped his head to prevent cauliflower ears. He joked that he had already informed his high-profile partner Mary Fowler about the new look. “She was alright about it, plus I don’t want to wear headgear again; I had it [the ear] drained last week,” Cleary said.
Ivan Cleary supported Dylan Edwards in retaining the NSW No. 1 jersey when teams are announced next Monday. Nathan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growing push for Roosters fullback James Tedesco to be recalled for the Origin series.
“I think Dyl is so reliable, and there are still so many things he does that go unnoticed by the outside [world], but not from within our club,” Cleary said. “I love playing alongside him. It’s a tough one. ‘Teddy’ is playing amazing as well. Dyl is playing incredibly well. He doesn’t have the flash or try assists that Teddy has, but every time I take the field with him, I feel confident.”
