Nathan Cleary remains undecided about his future beyond 2027 despite younger brother Jett’s spectacular NRL debut and impending return to Penrith, creating a powerful new reason for the champion halfback to stay.
Cleary is contracted to the Panthers until the end of next season and can formally negotiate with rival clubs for 2028 from November 1.
The PNG Chiefs are reportedly preparing a four-year offer worth $6 million, while the Perth Bears and overseas competitions have also been linked with the four-time premiership winner.
Cleary has not committed to testing the open market, but he has also stopped short of guaranteeing that he will sign another contract with Penrith.
“I still don’t know,” Cleary said when recently asked whether he was closer to deciding.
“I’m still in the process of thinking it over. I’m not sure yet.”
Jett Cleary Produces Stunning NRL Debut
The uncertainty surrounding Nathan’s future gained another fascinating layer when Jett made his first-grade debut for the Warriors against Newcastle.
The 21-year-old produced three try assists, three tackle breaks and 220 kicking metres as New Zealand defeated the Knights 46-32 and moved narrowly ahead of Penrith at the top of the ladder.
Jett appeared composed in attack and repeatedly held his own when Newcastle directed larger defenders towards him.
“I just thought he looked like he belonged,” Warriors captain Mitch Barnett said.
“For a young half … they just want to tackle well and kick well. He also defended well.
“Jett held his gloves up, mate. He’ll only get better each time he takes the field now.”
Nathan and Ivan Cleary travelled to Auckland alongside the rest of the family to watch the debut.
Jett became Warrior No.301 and joined Ivan as only the second father-son combination to represent the New Zealand club.
“It was just everything I’ve dreamed it to be,” Jett said in the NRL’s match report.
“It was so much fun. I have such a good group of boys to play with.
“This team’s unreal, forward pack’s unreal. It was just so cool.”
Jett Will Return to Penrith in 2027
The Warriors have already granted Jett an early release from the final year of his contract, allowing him to return to Australia after the 2026 season.
“We were keen for Jett to stay, but we accept his reasons for wanting to go home,” Warriors recruitment boss Andrew McFadden said in the club’s official announcement.
“We look forward to him finishing the season well and we wish him the best for what lies ahead.”
The move creates the possibility of Nathan and Jett playing together under their father during Ivan Cleary’s final season as Penrith coach.
That family reunion is emotionally compelling, but it should not be confused with evidence that Nathan has signed beyond 2027.
All three Clearys are presently aligned at Penrith for only one guaranteed season.
Ivan will step down as head coach after the 2027 campaign, Nathan’s contract expires at the same time and Jett’s longer-term Penrith agreement has not been publicly detailed.
Warriors Move Now Appears Off the Table
Before Jett’s release, Nathan effectively dismissed speculation that he could replace his younger brother at the Warriors.
“I wasn’t born in Auckland, but I grew up a fair bit there and I will admit I was a Warriors fan growing up,” Nathan said.
“But at the end of the day, even if that was an option, I’d be blocking my little brother’s pathway. I’m not too sure about that.”
Jett’s return to Penrith technically removes that particular obstacle.
However, there has been no suggestion Nathan has revived the possibility of joining New Zealand. The Warriors have their own halves plans and Jett’s departure means the anticipated brothers’ reunion will now occur at Penrith instead.
Nathan previously said he wanted to consider his options carefully while allowing his management to handle negotiations in the background.
“I want to put a bit more thought into it,” he said.
“That sort of contract stuff will work itself out in the background.”
That remains the most accurate description of his position: undecided, but not actively campaigning for an exit.
Penrith Now Has Its Strongest Retention Argument
Jett’s return gives the Panthers something no rival can offer.
Penrith can provide Nathan with the opportunity to spend 2027 playing alongside his brother during their father’s final season as an NRL coach.
The brothers are not guaranteed to form Penrith’s starting halves combination.
Nathan owns the No.7 jersey, but Jett must compete with Blaize Talagi, Jack Cogger and other developing playmakers for the five-eighth position or a place on the interchange bench.
His outstanding Warriors debut nevertheless demonstrated that the possibility is realistic.
Jett did not merely survive his first-grade opportunity. He directly created three tries in a match that carried major implications for the minor premiership.
A strong preseason at Penrith could place him firmly in the selection conversation.
Nathan has achieved almost everything possible with the Panthers, but playing NRL football beside his younger brother represents a genuinely new experience.
PNG Offer Remains Penrith’s Greatest Threat
Family ties will not remove the financial power of the PNG Chiefs.
The expansion club is reportedly preparing a four-year agreement worth $1.5 million per season from 2028.
Its reported tax concessions and potential third-party arrangements could make the package substantially more valuable than an equivalent Australian contract.
No official approach can be made before November 1, and no contract has been offered or accepted.
Still, the timing makes PNG an obvious threat.
The Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028, immediately after Cleary’s current deal expires. They have already assembled a roster containing several prominent players and reportedly want the Panthers halfback as their marquee signing.
Jarome Luai and Brian To’o are also expected to be part of the expansion project, giving Cleary the possibility of reuniting with two close friends and premiership-winning teammates.
PNG can offer money, history and the challenge of launching a new franchise.
Penrith can offer home, family and the opportunity to become a one-club legend.
Ivan’s Departure Still Changes the Calculation
Ivan Cleary has confirmed that he will step down after 2027 and will not pursue another first-grade coaching job.
Assistant Peter Wallace will take over on a three-year agreement beginning in 2028.
The Panthers have attempted to create stability by announcing the succession plan early. Wallace understands the system, has worked closely with the playing group and has been central to Penrith’s defensive structure.
Even so, Nathan has never played an NRL match for a first-grade coach other than his father.
That makes the 2028 decision considerably more significant than a conventional contract extension.
Remaining would mean committing to a new coaching era after Ivan steps aside. Leaving would allow Nathan to pursue a completely different challenge after more than a decade at Penrith.
Jett’s arrival strengthens the emotional case for staying through 2027, but it does not necessarily settle what happens once their father leaves.
Panthers Cannot Assume Cleary Will Stay
Cleary has repeatedly spoken warmly about Penrith and previously admitted it was difficult to imagine representing another NRL club.
That history makes the Panthers favourites to retain him.
However, his refusal to commit before November should be taken seriously.
Cleary has never previously explored the open market. If he remains unsigned on November 1, the Chiefs, Bears and potentially overseas clubs will be able to present offers Penrith may struggle to match.
The Panthers are also attempting to retain Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and other major members of their premiership core while preparing for To’o’s departure.
Jett’s return may ultimately become the decisive family detail that convinces Nathan to remain.
For now, it has guaranteed only one remarkable season.
In 2027, the Cleary brothers can play together under their father at Penrith.
Whether Nathan stays once that family chapter closes remains the most important unanswered question in rugby league.
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