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.
The Panthers are facing a major salary cap crunch, and have already confirmed winger Brian To'o will depart to the PNG Chiefs at the end of 2027.
While that frees up some money, there are a number of players in line for upgrades at the foot of the mountains, including the already re-signed Thomas Jenkins, Casey McLean and Paul Alamoti.
Liam Martin is understood to have requested a seven-figure deal, while Isaiah Papal'i is close to re-signing, and reports this morning suggest Isaah Yeo has also agreed to terms on his future.
That ultimately means any money saved with the departure of To'o is being used up very quickly, and the fight for Penrith to retain Cleary will grow exponentially tougher, with News Corp reporting a $1.5 million per year offer is being prepared.
The offer, which would be tax-free, essentially means the Panthers and other NRL clubs, wouldn't be able to compete with the Chiefs in the financial department when it comes to winning the star halfback's signature.
Cleary, if he moves to PNG, would link back up with Jarome Luai who he won a number of premierships with at the foot of the mountains, and follow Brian To'o to Port Moresby.
It was reported last week by the Western Weekender, contrary to most beliefs, that Cleary has in fact launched talks with the Panthers over a new deal, although it's unclear how much progress has been made.
Cleary is already earning north of seven figures at the Panthers, and it appears clear whichever way he goes on his next contract, he is going to wind up being the highest-paid player in the game.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact Cleary had previously claimed he wouldn't consider moving to the New Zealand Warriors, where his brother Jett plays.
The younger Cleary has since been released to join the Panthers at the start of next year though, which could well be a sign that Nathan is ready to move on from the successful outfit.
