Former Penrith Panthers general manager Phil Gould believes Nathan Cleary has no chance of leaving Penrith as conjecture starts to grow about where the superstar halfback's future lies.

Cleary has yet to re-sign with the Panthers and is free to speak with rival clubs for a 2028 contract in two months' time.

Given the two-time Clive Churchill Medallist's stature in the competition as the premier halfback, Cleary could demand some serious dollars if he were to explore his options in November.

Gould trusts there are plenty of good times ahead at the foot of the mountains for Cleary, and doesn't see him leaving the system that helped turn him into a superstar.

“I would find it extraordinary if he left the Panthers; I just don't see that happening,” he said on Nine's 100% Footy.

“PNG? Well, unless people know more than me, I don't see that as being where he'd like to finish his career.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: 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)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: 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)

“I think he's got the chance to do something with the Panthers that might be unrivalled throughout the history of our game. He's still only 28 ... I still think there's more to come, more premierships and Origins for him to do.

“I would hate to see him leave Penrith, and I hope that doesn't happen.”

Head coach Ivan will step down as head coach of the club at the end of next year, while long-term fan favourite Brian To'o will make the switch to Port Moresby as a foundation PNG Chiefs player.

Younger brother Jett made his highly anticipated NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.

The Cleary household travelled to Auckland to celebrate his achievement and finished the match with three try assists in a 46-32 win in front of a boisterous Kiwi crowd.

“I'm so grateful for my family and that they were able to make it,” Jett told Fox League following full-time.

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“It's also just cool to play for my dad's old club - it was awesome.

2025 NRL State Championship Grand Final – Bears v Warriors
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 05: Jett Cleary of the Warriors looks on from the bench during the NRL State Championship Grand Final match between the Burleigh Bears and New Zealand Warriors at Accor Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

“It was just everything I've dreamed it to be. It was so much fun - I have such a good group of boys to play with.

“This team's unreal, forward pack's unreal. It was just so cool; it was awesome to be out here at Mt Smart as well, packed house. It was mad.”

Cleary and his Panthers juggernaut are second on the ladder, hot on the Warriors' tail.

Despite Nathan cheering on his younger brother on Sunday, Jett might have done enough to thwart Penrith's minor premiership chances with his stellar debut performance, placing the Warriors in top position with one match to go before the finals.