Penrith payday: Panthers make $1.1m play to keep Nathan Cleary for life

The Penrith Panthers have moved to lock Nathan Cleary, and his coaching father Ivan, up for life, tabling a monster $1.1 million deal for the 24-year-old. The big-money play would see him stay in black and white until he’s nearly 30.

Nathan Cleary has become a vital part of the premiership-winning Panthers machine, and the club doesn’t want to see him leave for big bucks once his contract expires in 18 months.

To ensure they keep him at the heart of their young roster, Penrith powerbrokers have tabled the reigning Dally M halfback a $1,100,000-a-year contract offer that would run until the end of 2027. Cleary currently earns around $900,000 each season and has already agreed to play for the club until at least the end of the 2024 NRL campaign.

The Sporting Base understands other clubs would pay up to $1.3m for the star.

One key piece of the puzzle the Panthers hold is their relationship with Nathan’s dad Ivan. The elder Cleary’s time at the club is up in a year, but Penrith has made a play to extend the team gaffer too. They’re wanting to keep him for another two or three years, at least.

Insider sources are suggesting Cleary–the player, that is– is likely to accept the $1.1m deal and monster length so that he can keep working alongside his father, and with the team the pair have built.

If Nathan does put pen to paper on the huge deal, it will be a major victory for the Panthers. Cleary has already marched into contention for one of the best halfbacks the game has seen since Joey Johns, who himself describes Nathan as “most influential player in the comp.” Six more years with the star, at least, would keep them on top long into the 2020s.

The 24-year-old has already played 120 NRL games since debuting in 2016, with another 10 appearances in bright blue in State of Origin under his belt two. That record includes three series wins in five years.

Cleary played a pivotal role in Penrith’s 2021 premiership victory, even though he was sidelined mid-season with a shoulder injury. The halfback was crowned Clive Churchill medalist for his role in the team’s 14–12 win over the Rabbitohs, and finished just five points behind fullback freak Tom Trbojevic in the race to win the Dally M medal.

“Why wouldn’t we want them long-term?” Panthers boss Brian Fletcher told the Herald.

“The board is unanimous in keeping them as a pair as long as we can. They are a huge part of Panthers, and we’re doing what we can to make sure that continues. There’s not much more I can say.”

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