Nathan Cleary has put contract talks with Penrith on hold while he recovers from two rounds of surgery, putting the star halfback on course to hit free agency for the first time on November 1.
Cleary’s management confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald that contract talks with the Panthers, and with any rival club after November 1, were not at the top of the agenda. Sources told the Herald that Cleary was in no rush to return to the negotiating table and that “the immediate focus is his health”.
According to the Herald, Penrith approached Cleary’s management a few weeks ago to ask what kind of money he had in mind if he was “hypothetically” prepared to entertain offers from rival NRL clubs, and his management has since told the Panthers the figure.
The delay means Cleary is likely to come off contract as a free agent, officially opening the door to offers from rival clubs including the PNG Chiefs. The Herald’s sources said his sole priority is making sure his surgeries do not delay his return for round one of the 2027 NRL season.
Two operations after preliminary final
Cleary suffered a double compound fracture to his left leg in Penrith’s preliminary final loss to the Newcastle Knights, and the club later revealed he had played the match with a broken bone in his right foot.
Read more: NRL: Nathan Cleary Has Second Surgery, Panthers Eye Round 1-4 Return
His next deal had been tipped to be worth as much as $1.7 million a season, and the Herald Sun reported the injury-triggered delay could open the door for rival clubs and drive up his price.
Yeo deal yet to be approved
Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo is also still waiting on a new deal. Yeo has agreed to a three-year extension, but it has not yet been approved, with the NRL’s salary cap auditor seeking more information from the Panthers about promises of a post-playing career, according to News Corp as reported by Wide World of Sports.
Read more: NRL: Penrith Panthers Confirm Six Departures, Three Head to Perth
Yeo told the Herald last week he was “just trying to tweak a few little things in the background, and how the [post-career] might look.”
“I don’t know if it will [be finalised by November 1],” Yeo said. “I also think just because you hit November 1, it’s not like all of a sudden these offers and conversations are had, as much as fans might think that’s the case. It’s not how it looks.”
The Panthers have also held preliminary talks with Liam Martin and Moses Leota about extending beyond 2027. “I’m pretty confident a deal will get done. I’d love to stay,” Martin told the Herald.
Cleary thanks Mary Fowler
Cleary used social media on the weekend to thank partner Mary Fowler, who made herself unavailable for the Matildas’ friendlies against Germany and Haiti to fly to Sydney during his recovery. “I can’t thank you enough for flying to the other side of the world to look after me and be by my side during this past week of recovery,” Cleary wrote. “I’m a very lucky man and I’m so, so grateful.”
Fowler has since returned to England, where she plays for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.
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