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.

6. Sydney Roosters

The Roosters are linked to just about every player who ever comes off-contract if they have some talent.

If they sign Cleary, the jokes will never stop regarding their salary cap, but there is also a chance they make a play.

They have already reportedly flagged the idea of going after Herbie Farnworth for 2028, and it's little surprise cash exists given their big-name departures in recent years without the same calibre of replacement, while James Tedesco could also be approaching retirement.

While the links to Kalyn Ponga won't go anywhere either, the cub's willingness to play Sam Walker at five-eighth is a potential, and so too is the willingness to let go of players as they did this year with Sandon Smith upon signing Daly Cherry-Evans.

Maybe it's optimistic, but rugby league fans could tell you they have seen this story before.

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