Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has not ruled out testing the open market at the end of this season.

Contracted with Penrith until the end of 2027, he has opened preliminary discussions with the club but could spark a market frenzy if he remains out of contract by November 1.

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Cleary has previously signed extensions in 2018 and 2022 well before having the chance to come out of contract.

“It’s a process that’s pretty foreign to me, I’ve never done it,” Cleary said.

“That’s a discussion to be had in the coming weeks or months or whatever. I don’t know.

“(I’ve said) I wasn’t going to close off any avenues, like I was quite open to everything … I just didn’t want to really lock myself in too early.

“But I’ve always said as well that a week is such a long time in rugby league let alone a few months, so you just don’t know what’s going to happen.”

If Cleary tests free agency it’s viewed as more likely he would leave rather than driving up his price at Penrith.

He has been linked to the new Papua New Guinea team though admits it would be difficult to leave Penrith.

“It’s pretty hard to imagine right now, yeah,” he said.

“I haven’t really thought about it too much but trying to imagine being somewhere else, it’s tough to think of in my mind.”

Nathan Cleary of the Panthers runs the ball during the round three NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

ROBINSON’S DCE REVEAL

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he has not asked Daly Cherry-Evans directly to tell him all of Manly’s “secrets” ahead of Thursday’s game, declaring it would not be “right”.

The Roosters veteran comes up against his former teammates for the first time, while the game also doubles as his return to 4 Pines Park.

Given Cherry-Evans’ familiarity with both Manly’s players and coach Anthony Seibold, it would make sense for the Roosters to take advantage of the 37-year-old’s intel.

Robinson said there were certain pieces of information the Roosters would take advantage of, but made it clear he would not be pressuring Cherry-Evans to divulge everything.

“It’s a real balance… I never like to ask, ‘Rightio tell me all the secrets’. I don’t think that’s right,” Robinson said.

“I don’t apply pressure like that. But any cues you can give about ground or an opposition player you’re facing, if there’s any benefit there then he can offer that.

“But you definitely don’t ask for the playbook. That’s not the right thing to do. He’s been pretty clear on what can be an advantage for us.”

Former Roosters and Storm premiership winner Cooper Cronk told foxsports.com.au earlier in the week he was looking forward to what he expects to be a “chess game” on Thursday night, given both sides have inside information they can draw on.

While Cherry-Evans’ intel is arguably more valuable, there is still something to be said about Manly also knowing the ins and outs of the 37-year-old’s game.

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Trent Robinson will use DCE’s intel on Manly.Source: FOX SPORTS

“It’s a contradiction because you’ve got great relationships, you have that much respect for everyone involved in the club… but then you’ve also got a job to do,” Cronk said.

“It’s a contradiction from a football performance (point of view) because you know the ins and outs, so Daly will know the strengths and weaknesses of Manly, the way they play, Seibold, Turbo, Jake… but then on the flipside they will know all the strengths and weaknesses of Daly.

“It’ll end up being a game of chess. Who can outsmart who and who can implement the game plan most. There will be absolutely no secrets held back.

“Daly will say what he thinks about Manly because it’s his opportunity to win and Manly will do the same. As a spectator, I’m super interested to see how the first 20 to 30 minutes play out because I think you’ll see the hand or card being played by both sides.”

Manly coach Anthony Seibold, meanwhile, told reporters on Thursday that it is “easier said than done” to “shut down” Cherry-Evans.

“One of his great attributes is how well he reads the game,” Seibold added.

“He certainly plays what he sees. He’s got a fantastic kicking game. He brings a lot of threat.

“The Roosters have a lot of talent… and Chez is a really talented player. We’ve spoken about what we can try and do to mitigate what he does, but it is easier said than done.”

‘I do apologise if you want more’ | 07:11

BENJI BACKS LUAI REPLACEMENT TO FILL HUGE VOID

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has backed Jock Madden to do a job for the team over the next few weeks while the club’s “Energizer Bunny” is out injured with a knee issue.

Jarome Luai has been ruled out for four weeks with a knee injury he suffered in the second half of their loss to the Rabbitohs last week, but there’s better news for halves partner Adam Doueihi who has been named to play despite limping off with what appeared to be a nasty hamstring problem.

Madden, 26, has plenty of experience across stints with the Tigers and the Broncos, with the playmaker returning to the club in 2026 where he’s been thrust into the halves for the big game against the unbeaten Warriors in Auckland.

Young gun Latu Fainu is also on an extended bench if required.

“Jarome’s our Energizer Bunny who gives a lot of energy to the team, and he’s got his own strengths,” Marshall said.

“But we’ve got Jock coming in who has got some big strings of his own that we’re looking forward to him putting out.

“At the end of the day, everyone has injuries. Newcastle is going through something similar at the moment. What you’ve got to do is have systems in place that no matter who comes in, everyone knows their job and how you want to play.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how our guys play.”

The Tigers had a turbulent off-season at board level, but the decision to re-sign Marshall provides stability going forward for a team that hasn’t made the finals since 2011.

The club legend is in his third year as coach and says the tough times will only help him develop in the role.

“Without struggle and a bit of failure, there’s no growth,” he said.

“I’m constantly evolving and working on what I’m doing as a coach, and always looking for ways to be better. That’s the key to it.

Benji Marshall has embraced the journey of leading the Wests Tigers back to the finals. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“I think I’ve had a pretty serious schooling when it comes to coaching to start, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way because the way I’ve had to learn is to learn on the run and learn fast.

“I’m enjoying it, I love it, I’m passionate about the job and I love coaching these boys. It’s something I want to do for a long time.

“The spotlight and the pressure that comes with it means nothing to me. It’s the time that it takes up and the priorities where you have to find the balance between family and coaching which is a bit of a challenge sometimes.

“But it’s worth the job. I really love it because it’s not about coaching men – you actually get to shape their lives away from footy. Instead of making them good footy players, you make them good people as well.

“That’s an important part of the job.”

Seibold urges Manly fans not boo DCE | 02:51

WOOLF CALLS DOLPHINS STAR BEST IN WORLD AHEAD OF BATTLE OF BRISBANE

There’s been a lot of healthy debate this week over whether Panthers star Brian To’o is the best winger of all time, but perhaps the more pressing discourse right now is who is the top centre in the NRL heading into round 4.

Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton has held the mantle for a few years now, while rising Panthers star Casey McLean is one to watch over the coming years.

Just a few years after there were fears the role was becoming diminished, the value of great centres is rising again, with an epic battle looming in Friday’s Battle for Brisbane where former teammates Herbie Farnworth and Kotoni Staggs will go up against each other.

Herbie Farnworth was at his brilliant best for the Dolphins last week. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Farnworth has started the season on fire with 12 offloads, 12 tackles busts, a try and an assist through the opening rounds, with the Englishman impacting the game with his carries, in the air and everywhere else.

He was phenomenal against Cronulla last week, prompting his coach to make this declaration after the game.

“Well, I think he is (the best centre in the world) and he thinks he is as well,” Kristian Woolf said.

“He’s great to have in the team because he comes up with things. He came up with plenty of things (against the Sharks).”

Farnworth was asked the same question in the Shark Park sheds but played down the plaudits.

“That’s not for me to say, so I’ll let you boys come up with that,” he said.

“I think there are some quality centres in the comp now.

“Obviously, it’s not for me to say who’s the best, but you left out Kotoni Staggs who’s been great for the Broncos as well.

“I could go on and on about how good the centres are this year and I think they’re only growing as well, and there are some really good young ones coming through.”

Farnworth and Staggs played together in the 2023 grand final loss to Penrith before the Englishman made the big move to Brisbane’s rivals the following year.

Farnworth and Kotoni Staggs used to be Broncos teammates but will line up against each other in Friday’s derby. Picture: Lachie MillardSource: News Corp Australia

The Dolphins are coming off one of their best defensive performances since entering the competition, while the Broncos came from behind again to down the Storm in the grand final rematch.

It sets up a blockbuster battle at Suncorp Stadium where Staggs famously said “this is our home” after he scored a runaway try to seal a win over the Dolphins.

‘It’s massive,” Farnworth said.

“It’ll be a sell out at Suncorp there and they’re the reigning premiers for a reason and obviously knocked off Melbourne in the grand final rematch. They’ve got a great side and I’m sure they’re going to come out firing, so it should be a very good game.

“It’s definitely an intense game. I’ve been on both sides of the fence playing for the Broncs and playing for the Dolphins and, yeah, it’s very intense. It should be a good game. Very keen for it.”

Are Panthers ‘so far ahead’ of everyone? | 03:08