Nathan Cleary says he is no certainty to test the market at the end of the year – but also insists has no desire to open contract negotiations with Penrith during the State of Origin series.
The Penrith co-captain was at his scheming best against Canberra on Sunday, including a low dropout into touch late in the game he always knew would break right and all but end a Raiders comeback.
Cleary is contracted at the Panthers until the end of 2027, but it has been widely reported the 28-year-old is poised to hold off signing a new deal so he can talk to rival clubs after November 1.
The PNG Chiefs have since signed Cleary’s good friend Jarome Luai, and the prospect of a tax-free salary and third-party agreements at the expansion franchise could interest the four-time premiership winner.
If Cleary intended to test his value on the open market, the Chiefs – and most other NRL clubs – would park contract talks with other players and prioritise putting together a mega deal for rugby league’s best player. Depending on the outcome of the next broadcast deal, Cleary could well fetch $2 million a season on the open market.
But Cleary told this masthead he was unsure if he would allow his future to drag on that long.
“I don’t know,” said Cleary, when asked about becoming the game’s most in-demand free agent. “I honestly don’t know, and that won’t change between now and the Origin period. I’m not prepared to make a decision. And I don’t know why it’s such a rush.
“In my mind, it’s May, so it’s still ages away. I don’t even want to think about contracts through this hectic period of the year.”
Panthers officials launched “Operation Keep Clearys” at the start of the year, aimed at tying down their coach and best player.
“There is a rhythm that exists once the season starts, and when we feel the time is right our chairman, Peter Graham, will engage with Ivan and Nathan to get the conversation started,” CEO Matt Cameron told this masthead. “We’d love Ivan and Nathan to stay. They have already played a huge role in our success and we want that to continue.”
Panthers officials on Monday confirmed they were happy to be guided by the Clearys as to when they wanted to open negotiations.
Cleary leads the Dally M leaderboard after ten rounds, and will be the first player picked for NSW when Laurie Daley puts together his side for Origin I.
On Sunday at GIO Stadium, his dropout – which travelled hard and low before breaking right and trickling into touch over the 10m line – left fans and commentators stunned
“I knew it was bending – I’ve kicked the footy since I was two years old, so I have a fair idea of what a footy can do,” Cleary said. “The ball still does some pretty incredible things. But when it spins like that, I knew it was going to turn.
“I don’t like to break it down [what I do] too much because it becomes confusing. Sometimes it’s trial and error. When you kick it enough, you know where to kick it to make it bend a certain way. You practice it until you’re confident to kick it.”
Cleary said strapping on his left knee was merely precautionary, while he also taped his head to prevent cauliflower ears. He joked he had already informed high-profile partner Mary Fowler about the new look.
“She was alright about it, plus I don’t want to wear headgear again; I had it [the ear] drained last week,” Cleary said.
Ivan Cleary threw his support behind Dylan Edwards retaining the NSW No. 1 jersey when teams are announced next Monday, and Nathan was no different. There is a growing push for Roosters fullback James Tedesco to be recalled for the Origin series.
“I think Dyl is so reliable, and there are still so many things he does that go unnoticed by the outside [world], but not from within our club,” Cleary said.
“I love playing alongside him. It’s a tough one. ‘Teddy’ is playing amazing as well. Dyl is playing incredibly well. He doesn’t have the flash or try assists that Teddy has, but every time I take the field with him, I feel confident.”
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