A Penrith Panthers insider has categorically ruled out Ivan and Nathan Cleary signing with the Sydney Roosters after the rumour was thrust back into the spotlight this week. Both of the Clearys are off contract at the end of 2027, and the Panthers are desperate to re-sign the father-son duo.
Nathan has stated he’s not opposed to testing the open market, and will be free to do so on November 1 if he doesn’t recommit to the Panthers before then. A popular theory is he might look to move overseas to be closer to girlfriend Mary Fowler, who plays football for Manchester City.
The Panthers are desperate to keep both Ivan and Nathan Cleary. Image: Getty
But discussing the situation this week, a number of leading journos said they’d heard whispers that the Roosters could be in play. Roosters halfback Sam Walker is also off contract at the end of 2027, while halves partner 37-year-old Daly Cherry-Evans will likely be retired by 2028.
As for the Roosters’ coaching set-up, pressure is mounting on Trent Robinson to deliver after numerous finals appearances but no premierships since 2019. Responding to the Roosters rumours on Thursday, Penrith-based reporter Peter Lang said he can’t see it happening.
Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker are both off contract at the same time.
(Getty Images)
Lang, who often has the inside word on the Panthers and rarely gets it wrong, is so confident the Roosters won’t get the Clearys that he said he’ll shave his head if they do. “I don’t know where Ivan and Nathan will end up but it won’t be as a package deal to the Sydney Roosters,” he wrote on social media.
“In fact if the pair do end up at the Roosters I’ll get a number one buzz cut. And anyone who knows me , knows how much I hate having short hair. For the record my money is still on both of them staying at the Panthers.”
Roosters linked with Ivan and Nathan Cleary
Brent Read had said on NRL 360 this week: “We know the Roosters, they love a glamour signing and we’ve spoken about it that Nathan Cleary will go to November 1 and see what’s out there. It’s not my rumour, but we have all heard it.
“There’s actually a chance of that happening. That could be a possibility that the Roosters have a lash at Nathan and Ivan Cleary at the same time.”
Braith Anasta questioned why the Roosters haven’t re-signed Walker yet. Read responded: “Sam Walker has acknowledged his form hasn’t been as good as he could be. I still think Sam is an immense talent, who is going to be a great footballer in this game for a long time, but at the Roosters if you don’t aim up the spotlight is on you.”
Gorden Tallis added: “It is common sense for a club like the Roosters and they are a marquee organisation to try and get the best player. I think every club would be interested in Nathan Cleary.”