The Penrith Panthers may have just picked up the key to keeping Nathan Cleary beyond his 2027 deal, after signing younger brother Jett Cleary as an option for the halves for at least the next campaign.
Where Cleary is going after his Panthers contract expires after 2027 is, of course, a hot topic in the rugby league world and will be until he signs somewhere.
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Staying at Penrith has been floated as one option — though it was looking a little more unlikely until recently — while the cashed-up Papua New Guinea expansion team has been another link for some time. The U.K. Super League, to be close to partner Mary Fowler, is also the rumour that won’t quit.
Penrith picking up Nathan’s little brother Jett may well be the biggest counterweight we’ve seen in the whole affair yet, though, with the four-time NRL champion admitting it could be the piece that keeps him at the foot of the mountains.
“It does a bit, probably because of the fact I never thought it was possible,” Cleary said when asked whether Jett heading to Penrith could change his mind.
When it did become a possibility, just to train with him every single day, it means the world to me, and it’s something I’d really like to do.
“I feel like I can offer a lot to him and his development, so we’ll see what happens. He has the opportunity to come back home, and if we’re able to play even one game together, that would be something I’d cherish.”
Then he added, “There is a chance” that he re-signs before November 1 rolls around.
The Sporting Base can simplify it a little too: With the Jett ticket in the mix, and Nathan possibly able to play alongside his brother in the halves, there are two options.
The first is that he takes up a mega deal to lead the Chiefs in their opening years, banking what would easily be the biggest payday in rugby league history.
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Or, he stays loyal to the Panthers, where he won four NRL rings and sees out his career as a one-club player. The fact his five-eighth could be his little brother will certainly sweeten that pot, even with his father out the door.
Next up is that November 1 date. After that, he can field mega deals day after day.
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