Penrith Panthers, New South Wales Blues and Australian Kangaroos superstar Nathan Cleary is set to test the open market for the first time in his career.

While he hasn't said it's a guarantee, he has certainly hinted it's going to happen.

The Penrith Panthers have a stretched salary cap, and just maybe, the star halfback is getting itchy feet around what his legacy will be if he never tries to play outside of the Penrith system.

There are plenty of fresh challenges around the competition for him to have a crack at while he is still in the prime of his career.

From heading to an under fire club, to an expansion one, to linking up with another premiership contender, all options are on the table for a player who will fetch well and truly over a million per season once he starts to test his true worth from November 1.

Penrith are still a great chance of capturing Cleary's signature, but if he does leave the foot of the mountains, where does he wind up?

We have analysed and ranked every club's chance of landing the Penrith star.

8. Canberra Raiders

Right now, you'd have to think the Raiders are deeply unsatisfied with their situation in the halves.

Stumbling out of the blocks at the start of 2026, it's fairly clear why they wanted to sign an experienced half to replace the departing Jamal Fogarty.

Failing in that department, it came down to Ethan Sanders (off-contract at the end of 2027) and Brisbane recruit Coby Black (off-contract at the end of 2028).

Both players should consider themselves under enormous pressure to impress at whatever level they play for the remainder of 2027. Their futures, if they want to stay in Canberra, depend on it.

If they don't impress, then the Raiders are going to look to the market, and naturally, will want to make a play at Cleary - and with Corey Horsburgh, Sebastian Kris, Xavier Savage Tom Starling, Joseph Tapine (who does have a player option for 2028 available) and Hudson Young all off-contract at the end of 2027, there is more than enough scope for the Green Machine to shuffle the chairs and make something happen.

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