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.

2. Wests Tigers

What if Cleary had the itch to stay in Sydney, and to play with his old halves partner in Jarome Luai.

Now, in the current climate, it would be an almighty gamble from the Tigers, because they would have to spend well into the millions to get both players.

But they would automatically become the best halves partnership in the game. Origin players, premiership winners alongside each other. It's a scary thought.

Adam Doueihi, who recently re-signed out to the end of 2029, can play other positions, and given the jury is still very out on Latu Fainu, the Tigers could more than make this work if they can come up with the cash.

That will be an easier scenario if Jahream Bula decides not to exercise his option and leave the club.

Of course, speaking of options, Luai still hasn't taken up his beyond the end of this year.

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