Nathan Cleary’s long-term future at the Penrith Panthers could soon reach a defining moment. While the superstar halfback is expected to remain at the club, one looming date could open the door for the PNG Chiefs and every other NRL rival to make their move.
The date isn’t when his current contract expires.
It’s November 1.
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That’s the day rival clubs can legally begin negotiating with players entering the final year of their contracts, and if Cleary reaches that point unsigned, Penrith will lose its exclusive negotiating window.
According to Fox Sports, there is confidence within the game that both Cleary and Isaah Yeo will ultimately remain Panthers. However, the longer negotiations continue, the greater the risk another club could present an offer too significant to ignore.
The biggest threat is expected to come from the PNG Chiefs.
The expansion club has already landed Jarome Luai as its marquee signing and is expected to have unprecedented salary cap flexibility, marquee-player concessions and commercial opportunities as it builds its inaugural squad. NRL.com has detailed the unique support the new franchise will receive as it prepares to enter the competition.
Cleary has done little to shut down the speculation.
Speaking recently about his future, the four-time premiership winner admitted he has started thinking about what’s next but stressed he still loves rugby league and feels he has more to achieve in the NRL.
Those comments have been interpreted in different ways.
Some see them as a sign he will eventually recommit to Penrith.
Others believe Cleary is keeping his options open until he knows exactly what opportunities become available after November 1.
The Panthers have every reason to move quickly.
Cleary is widely regarded as the best player in the game, having guided Penrith to four consecutive premierships while adding multiple State of Origin series victories and individual honours to an already remarkable résumé.
If he reaches the open market, there is little doubt clubs would be prepared to make record-breaking offers.
That’s why the next few months are so important.
Penrith may still be favourites to retain their superstar.
But if November 1 arrives without a new contract, the Panthers will no longer be negotiating on their own.
They’ll be fighting off the rest of the rugby league world.
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