Nathan Cleary Set to Re-sign With Penrith Panthers After Rejecting PNG Chiefs Offer
Nathan Cleary Re-Commits to Panthers, Rejecting PNG Millions
Nathan Cleary is set to sign a two-year contract extension with the Penrith Panthers tying him to the club until the end of 2029, turning down tax-free multi-million-dollar offers from the PNG Chiefs, nine.com.au reported on Wednesday evening. The deal, which nine’s Danny Weidler expects to include a two-year player option, keeps the halfback at the foot of the mountains after he officially became a free agent on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The Courtesy Call to Port Moresby
Cleary’s management made a courtesy call to the PNG Chiefs on Wednesday evening, November 4, 2026, to inform the league’s incoming 18th franchise that the star halfback would remain in Western Sydney. Sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed the interaction to the Sydney Morning Herald. The expansion club had made landing a premier halfback a top priority ahead of their 2028 entry into the competition, preparing top-tier financial packages to lure marquee talent. With Cleary off the table, the Chiefs are expected to shift their attention toward alternative playmakers.
Salary Cap Pressures and Roster Shuffling at Penrith
Speculation surrounds the exact financial terms of Cleary’s new agreement, with widespread reports placing the value at roughly $1.7 million per season, pending expected salary cap increases. The retention of the game’s premier halfback anchors Penrith’s core alongside co-captain Isaah Yeo, who has reportedly neared final terms on a three-year extension. Meanwhile, Zero Tackle noted that backrower Liam Martin remains off-contract at the end of 2027 and has expressed interest in exploring the market, while prop Moses Leota’s management has confirmed the club is set to table a new offer.
Market Shifts for Rival Playmakers
The PNG Chiefs turn their focus toward Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker, who was told by chairman Nick Politis that a mega offer was pulled off the table, leaving the Queensland State of Origin representative free to evaluate his options ahead of the 2028 season or potentially earlier in 2027. Concurrently, Melbourne Storm’s Cameron Munster has been permitted to test his market value, providing incoming franchises and rival clubs with alternative marquee options.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
