Nathan Cleary has insisted his father Ivan's impending departure from Penrith will have no bearing on whether he stays with the NRL powerhouse beyond 2027. The younger Cleary indicated he would not make a decision on his playing future for at least another six to eight weeks, with State of Origin looming for the incumbent NSW No.7.
Widely considered the NRL's best player, Cleary would command a huge salary if he tested the open market for the first time in his four-time premiership winning career. Most notably, a tax-free windfall and reunion with ex-Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai are both on offer with expansion side PNG Chiefs from 2028.
But in the days since coach Cleary announced he would quit Penrith after 2027, the halfback has focused less on his own future and more on supporting his father. “It’s something dad’s been holding onto for a little while now. I’m happy and I’m proud of him,” Cleary said.
Since Cleary's shock call, speculation has turned to the swathe of Panthers who are uncontracted beyond 2027 and in position to follow their coach out the door. Isaah Yeo, Blaize Talagi, Mitch Kenny, Brian To’o and Liam Martin are among the other stars able to negotiate with NRL rivals for the 2028 season from November.
Cleary previously indicated he was in no rush to make a decision on his future and said his father's exit plan would not make him less likely to re-sign with Penrith. “I’m still not ready to make that decision yet and that won’t change over the next six-to-eight-week period. It’s pretty hectic as it is,” he said.
Cleary felt the decision to name Peter Wallace as his father's successor could help the Panthers convince their off-contract stars to stay put. “Everyone’s so happy for him to be the one stepping into the role,” Nathan Cleary said. “If that position was now vacant and no one knew who was going to be taking over, I think it makes it a lot harder (to convince players to stay). The fact that he’s the one coming in, it probably makes it an easier decision for people.”
