Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has hinted that he’ll leave contract talks on hold until after the NRL finals series, but admits the chance to play alongside his brother Jett is an “exciting prospect”. The 21-year-old Jett – who made a superb NRL debut for the Warriors in last week’s win over Newcastle – will return to Penrith next season after being granted an early release by Andrew Webster’s side.
Jett is keen to be coached by his father Ivan for one season before the four-time premiership-winning mentor steps away at the end of 2027. It gives the Cleary brothers the chance to play alongside each other for at least one season, but whether it’s any more than that depends largely on Nathan’s impending contract call.
Nathan Cleary (R) is in no rush to make a decision on his playing future but is excited by the prospect of playing alongside younger brother Jett (C) at the Panthers next season. Pic: Getty
The champion No.7 is off contract at the end of 2027 and looks set to hit November 1 as the biggest name on the open market. Recent reports suggest the PNG Chiefs are prepared to offer the 28-year-old a four-year deal worth an eye-watering $6 million in tax-free money, and Cleary concedes he will have a huge call to make on whether or not to stay at Penrith.
For now though, his focus is on delivering the club a fifth premiership in six years and he won’t be rushed into making a decision. Cleary collected the Brad Fittler Medal on Monday night as the NSW State of Origin player of the year, having guided the Blues to a memorable series victory over Queensland.
Penrith and NSW Origin star Nathan Cleary’s NRL future remains one of the biggest talking points heading towards November 1. Pic: Getty
And between his Origin heroics and dazzling displays for the Panthers, he’s has had precious little time to consider his playing future beyond next year. “It’s all the outside world that has made it feel like it’s a rushed decision and it’s not something I want to rush,” Cleary said.
“It’s a big decision, and I feel like one thing’s rolled into another, the Origin period was so hectic and coming out of it we (Penrith) weren’t playing our best footy… I have another whole year with Penrith anyway, so it’s probably always felt like it’s so far away and I guess it’s creeping up a bit now, but I’m pretty patient with it.”
Nathan Cleary excited to play alongside brother Jett
However, Cleary admitted that his brother’s impending return to Penrith would be “something to weigh up” when he does make a call on his future. The 28-year-old says playing alongside his younger brother is something he’s only recently considered, having flown to Auckland with the rest of his family to watch Jett’s debut last week.
“I think it’s been tough for him at times, obviously with me and dad in his life and always being compared to us,” Cleary said. “But he’s just taken it in his stride. and I’m so proud of him and so glad it went well for him.
“I never even considered him playing first grade, let alone being able to train alongside him and play alongside him so that is an exciting prospect.” The Panthers play the Wests Tigers on Sunday in the final game of the regular season, meaning Cleary and a number of stars could be rested before week one of the finals, with a top-two spot already guaranteed.
with AAP