Nathan Cleary is expected to pledge his future to the Penrith Panthers after his management politely informed the PNG Chiefs late Wednesday the star halfback would be staying put.
Cleary’s contract has been the biggest story in rugby league all year, with fears he could be tempted to accept the tax-free dollars in Port Moresby if allowed to hit the open market on November 1.
The NRL’s 18th franchise had made it clear they were prepared to pay top dollar for a halfback to make them an instant success.
But on the same day Chiefs officials were photographed arriving in the nation with Canberra forward Hudson Young, sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed Cleary’s camp gave the club a courtesy call to inform them he would remain with the Western Sydney club.
Colleague Danny Weidler reported late Wednesday that Cleary and Penrith were working towards a two-year extension, with a further two seasons in Cleary’s favour. If that eventuates, Cleary would remain at the Panthers until the end of 2031, which would be his 16th season in the top flight.
Cleary, 28, and his management were happy to park all talks as he recovered from double surgery on his foot and ankle at his parents’ home on the northern beaches.
Penrith approached Cleary’s management in late September to ask what kind of money the star halfback had in mind if he was “hypothetically” prepared to entertain offers from rival NRL clubs. They were later informed about that figure.
It has been widely speculated Cleary’s new deal will be at least $1.7 million a season, which would make him the richest player in the game.
The best player in the game re-committing to the Panthers will be celebrated by fans who watched him suffer a gruesome leg injury as the result of a hip-drop tackle in the preliminary final against Newcastle.
Fellow co-captain Isaah Yeo has repeatedly confirmed he is in the final stages of signing his own extension, which is expected to be for three years. Both parties are finalising details about what Yeo’s role would be at the club once he finishes playing.
Prop Moses Leota and backrower Liam Martin remain the club’s other two key targets, with negotiations expected to ramp up with the pair once their World Cup commitments with New Zealand and Australia finish.
With Cleary to stay, the Chiefs will need to look to the market for a playmaker, with Sydney Roosters’ premiership winner Sam Walker already informed he is free to leave Bondi immediately, while fellow Kangaroos and Queensland Origin player Cameron Munster has been allowed to test his market value by the Storm.
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