Former Penrith Panthers star Mark Geyer believes if Nathan Cleary chooses to depart the foot of the mountains, he will have "the blessing of every person in Penrith” following his illustrious stint at the club.

News Corp recently reported the PNG Chiefs are looking to pursue Cleary with a monster $1.5 million per season offer if he chooses to test the open market on November 1 this year, the date when he can speak with competing clubs for a 2028 contract.

Cleary has yet to re-sign with the Panthers, sparking mass speculation he could be on the move as the date on which rival clubs can table offers sits at just two months away.

Given his stature in the game as the NRL's premier star, Cleary could demand historic numbers in his next contract, and Geyer believes there will be no bad blood from anyone in the west if he were to depart the club.

“As hard as it would be for him to leave Penrith, that money - you are getting every cent of it and that is money that I don't think you can knock that back,” Geyer said on 2GB's Continuous Call Team.

2023 NRL Grand Final - Panthers v Broncos
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers celebrates scoring a try during the 2023 NRL Grand Final match between Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“He has financially done enough, he doesn't really need the cabbage.

“Whatever he decides, he has the blessing of every person in Penrith.”

There is a significant change of guard brewing at the end of 2027, with fan-favourite Brian To'o departing for the Chiefs, while Ivan Cleary is also stepping down as head coach after next season.

With younger brother Jett set to return to Australia after receiving the green light out of his Warriors contract, there could be an ultimate final ride for the Cleary trio together next year.

“They might just do one last swansong together in 2027 with the three of them together,” Geyer continued.

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“They might say, ‘you know what, it is time for us to do our own thing. I'll see you back at the house in five years'. I don't know.”

The Panthers are closing in on the NRL's minor premiership and are set for a deep push into the finals in September.

If the club can secure a big win over the Wests Tigers next week, it will mark their fourth first-place finish since the turn of the decade.