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“I’m not closing any doors. I’m open to anything. I’m also very happy with where I’m at, I’m very happy with rugby league – it’s my passion – and I couldn’t see anything changing anytime soon.
“I don’t want to say something like, ‘I’m never going to do it’, then you eventually do it. So much can change in the sporting world. It’s hard for me to envisage not [playing for] Penrith. I absolutely love Penrith, it’s home to me.”
Star power: Cleary with Cameron Smith and Steve Smith on Wednesday.Credit: Getty Images
Eddie Jones has spoken about wanting to lure Cleary to rugby, while Wallabies legend Tim Horan suggested the halfback might want to “spread his wings” and sample the 15-man code.
But the bigger threat to Penrith, who are keen to make Cleary a Panther for life, are NRL newcomers the PNG Chiefs, who can offer an attractive tax incentives.
The Panthers have always extended Cleary’s contract before he became a free agent. Arguably the game’s best player, Cleary is likely to command at least $1.5 million a season with his next deal.
Complicating matters for the Panthers is the fact a host of other stars are also off contract at the end of 2027, including co-captain Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Brian To’o, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny and young playmaker Blaize Talagi.
Nathan Cleary congratulates Brisbane’s Reece Walsh after last year’s preliminary final.Credit: NRL
Asked if he felt he had nothing left to achieve in the NRL, four-time premiership winner Cleary said: “I feel like achievements are what other people see.
“For me, I’ll never reach my full potential in rugby league. That’s the way I’m wired. I always think I can get better, and I’m glad I’m like that. I’ll never be like I’ve completed everything, because rugby league isn’t a game that can be completed.”
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The Panthers led 14-0 in their preliminary final last season, only to lose to eventual winners Brisbane.
They have enjoyed a trouble-free pre-season and Cleary is optimistic about the 2026 campaign.
“There’s a genuine belief we can do something special, but potential means nothing if you don’t work hard and actually get the most out of that potential,” Cleary said.
“For me, I feel like I can get better at everything. The beauty of the game we play, you’re not just an attacker, defender, or kicker, you have to do all those things every week. I can get better in all those areas. I enjoy that challenge.”
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