Panthers star Nathan Cleary has provided an update on his future, maintaining he is no closer to making a decision on whether he will stay at the club beyond 2027.
Cleary’s future became one of the biggest talking points in the NRL after father Ivan announced he would be stepping down as Penrith’s head coach at the end of next year.
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Panthers CEO Matt Cameron suggested club legend Peter Wallace’s appointment as Cleary’s replacement would only enhance its chances of convincing Nathan to stay, pointing to the broader playing group’s reaction when it learned of the news.
Cleary though was coy when asked directly if that would be the case.
“It’s not something I’ve thought about too much, but potentially (it could help),” Cleary told reporters, including Australian Associated Press at Brisbane Airport on Saturday night.
“Wal is the kind of guy anyone would like to play for. He was someone I loved playing alongside … It’s obviously a pressing thing, which I understand, but it’s definitely a decision I won’t take lightly, and it won’t happen any time soon.”
Cleary added that he won’t be making a call on his future for at least the next six to eight weeks, with the Panthers halfback instead putting his full focus on the upcoming Origin period.
“I was lucky enough to play alongside Wal, he was someone I looked up to, and the way he played the game, the toughness, I have the utmost respect for him. I’m really happy for him,” Cleary said.
“But it doesn’t change my position. I’m still not ready to make that decision yet, and that won’t change over the next six to eight week period.
“We’ll see how it goes.”
Cleary certainly isn’t going to get any pushback from Penrith powerbrokers for that decision, with Cameron telling reporters earlier in the week that he and the rest of the club’s big names have earned the right to test the market.
“At this point in time, using Nathan as an example clearly he wants to focus on Origin and from the club’s point of view we’re more than happy to respect that decision and it’s the same with every other player who is off-contract at the moment and the conversations Shane is having with the managers at the moment,” Cameron said.
“If they want to get a deal done, we’ll get a deal. If they want to focus on what’s in front of them at the moment, we’ll respect that decision, and if they want to see what opportunities are out there down the track, this cohort of players that we’re talking about, absolutely have earned the right to do that.”
Originally published as Nathan Cleary drops big hint as rumours swirl about his future