Cleary 'open to anything' with contract talks underway

Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary has left the door open on his long-term future, conceding he may need to engage in contract discussions sooner than expected as interest grows.

Despite being locked in until the end of 2027, Cleary said he has been surprised by how quickly speculation around his next move has surfaced. If he remains unsigned deep into his current deal, that attention is only likely to intensify - particularly as Penrith chase a fifth premiership in six seasons.

The club has already begun efforts to secure both Cleary and coach Ivan Cleary beyond their current terms, with the pair off contract simultaneously.

Cleary has previously made it clear he is keeping his options open, saying last month: “I don’t want to make decisions about my future too quickly, or jump the gun on anything.

“I’m not closing any doors. I’m open to anything. I’m also very happy with where I’m at, I’m very happy with rugby league – it’s my passion – and I couldn’t see anything changing anytime soon," he told the SMH.

On Thursday, he acknowledged the situation may evolve more quickly than anticipated.

“It [the contract talk] has come pretty early so maybe it’s something that needs to be fast-tracked,” he said.

“We’ll see what happens. I’m still contracted here for two years, it feels like such a long time to me. Trying to imagine being somewhere else, it’s tough to think of.”

Penrith’s unbeaten start to the season has only sharpened the focus, with three straight wins to open the year. More than 20,000 fans are expected for Saturday’s clash with the Parramatta Eels.

The Panthers’ long-term prospects also hinge on a host of key players - Isaah Yeo, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Blaize Talagi - who are also off contract in 2027.

While premiership success continues to follow Cleary, he insists it won’t dictate his next move.

“I don’t think about the accolades too much in terms of making decisions; [it is more to do with] my development as a player, my development as a person, and my development as a leader,” he said.

“I’ve always said a week is such a long time in rugby league, let alone a few months. You just don’t know what will happen.”

Expansion outfit the PNG Chiefs loom as a potential suitor, although Cleary played down the link despite his partner Mary Fowler having Papua New Guinean heritage.

For now, his focus shifts to Saturday’s showdown with Mitchell Moses, whom he rated “in my eyes, the premier halfback in the competition”.