Contract figure revealed as PNG Chiefs prepare to hunt Cleary
The PNG Chiefs are preparing a $1.5 million per year tax-free offer to sign NRL star Nathan Cleary for the 2028 season. The Penrith Panthers face a significant salary cap challenge as they attempt to retain Cleary amidst other contract renewals.
Why it matters
This move highlights the increasing financial power of new expansion teams in professional sports and the resulting pressure on established clubs to retain talent.
The PNG Chiefs are set to lodge an offer of up to $1.5 million per year to target the signature of star halfback Nathan Cleary.
Off-contract at the end of 2027, Cleary's name has been in the headlines constantly this year, with the Panthers desperate to retain him before he can head to the open market.
Dating back to the start of the year, Cleary has indicated he may head to free agency for the first time in his playing career, although that is not a guarantee he would be looking to leave the foot of the mountains.
With his father Ivan passing up the clipboard at the end of 2027, it has left significant questions about whether Cleary would want to have a go in another system during his career, with 2028 potentially being the ideal time to do so.
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