Nathan Cleary is set to re-sign with Penrith after his management told the PNG Chiefs on Wednesday night that the star halfback would be staying with the Panthers, according to Nine and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Nine’s Danny Weidler reported on Wednesday evening that Cleary and the Panthers were working towards a two-year contract extension, which is expected to include a two-year player option, Wide World of Sports reported.
The Herald’s Christian Nicolussi reported that sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed Cleary’s camp had made a courtesy call to the Chiefs to tell them he would remain at Penrith. If the deal goes ahead as reported, Cleary would stay with the Panthers until the end of 2031, which would be his 16th season in the top flight, the Herald reported.
Neither Penrith nor Cleary had announced a new contract at the time of writing.
Chiefs miss out on their top target
Cleary became a free agent on Sunday 1 November, when off-contract players were allowed to speak to rival clubs. The Chiefs, the NRL’s 18th club, join the competition in 2028 and can offer tax-free contracts to players based in Port Moresby.
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“It has been widely speculated Cleary’s new deal will be at least $1.7 million a season, which would make him the richest player in the game,” the Herald reported.
Cleary, 28, has been recovering from double surgery on his foot and ankle after suffering a leg injury from a hip-drop tackle in Penrith’s preliminary final against Newcastle.
Yeo next, Walker in the Chiefs’ sights
Fellow Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo is in the final stages of signing his own extension, which is expected to be for three years, the Herald reported.
With Cleary set to stay, Nine reported the Chiefs are likely to turn their attention to Roosters halfback Sam Walker, who is free to join a rival club from 2028. Melbourne have also allowed Cameron Munster to test his market value, according to the Herald.
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