Penrith Panthers and New South Wales Blues star halfback, Nathan Cleary, has revealed he’s considering exploring free agency for the first time in his illustrious career. Currently contracted until the end of 2027, Cleary will be eligible to negotiate with rival NRL clubs from November 1st. This marks a significant departure from his usual approach, having consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Panthers, often finalising new deals well in advance of his existing contracts expiring.
His dedication to Penrith has been so profound that in previous contract negotiations, he reportedly forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars. In one instance, midway through his last contract, he even inquired about the possibility of reducing his salary to help the club retain its premiership-winning squad.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Cleary acknowledged that this is uncharted territory for him. “It’s a process that’s pretty foreign to me, I’ve never done it,” he admitted, as reported by AAP. “That’s a discussion to be had in the coming weeks or months or whatever. I don’t know.”
He elaborated on his current mindset, stating, “I wasn’t going to close off any avenues, like I was quite open to everything… I just didn’t want to really lock myself in too early.” However, he also cautioned against definitive predictions, adding, “But I’ve always said as well that a week is such a long time in rugby league let alone a few months, so you just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Potential Suitors and Lucrative Offers
While Cleary’s loyalty has been a hallmark of his career, the prospect of him hitting the open market is bound to send ripples through the NRL. Rival clubs, desperate to secure the services of one of the game’s premier playmakers, will undoubtedly launch significant bids. It’s conceivable that Cleary could command a salary well into the seven figures, potentially rivalling or even surpassing the reported earnings of Dylan Brown at the Newcastle Knights, who is currently considered the highest-paid player in the league.
Beyond the NRL: A World of Possibilities
However, the considerations for Nathan Cleary may extend beyond the confines of the National Rugby League. Speculation is mounting that he might also be contemplating a move away from Australian shores altogether. His partner, accomplished women’s soccer player Mary Fowler, resides in England. This living arrangement naturally opens the door to the possibility of Cleary entertaining a switch to either the English Super League or even a code change to rugby union.
Cleary himself has previously expressed an openness to exploring rugby union. In February, during an appearance on Josh Mansour’s ‘Unscripted’ podcast, he discussed his evolving career outlook. “I don’t know. I’m open to it, I’m open to different possibilities whereas maybe in the past I’ve been locked into things,” he shared. “I’m quite open, that thing about having no regrets drives me, at the moment it’s driving me to do my best for the Panthers and build that dynasty even more.”
Penrith Panthers’ Growing Concerns
These candid comments are undoubtedly causing considerable anxiety for the Penrith Panthers hierarchy. The club has made no secret of its desire to retain both Nathan Cleary and his father, head coach Ivan Cleary, for the foreseeable future. Public statements from the club have consistently underscored this ambition.
Reports suggest that initial negotiations regarding new contracts for both coach and player commenced earlier this year. However, as of yet, these discussions have not yielded any concrete outcomes, leaving the club in a state of uncertainty regarding the future of its most crucial personnel. The potential for Cleary to explore his options, whether within the NRL or on the international stage, presents a significant challenge for the Panthers as they aim to continue their dynasty.
