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.
17. Melbourne Storm
Another move that simply isn't going to happen.
The Melbourne Storm made their priority very clear last year when they re-signed Jahrome Hughes long-term, allowing Jonah Pezet to activate a handshake agreement and leave the club.
Pezet, who had been widely viewed as the future of the Storm, is spending 2026 at the Eels before linking up with the Broncos.
It means the Storm, when combined with other big deals, probably don't have the money, but also have no position for Cleary, as much as Craig Bellamy would probably love to coach the halfback.
The Storm, with the money they do have, have other needs anyway as the 2026 season is clearly in the process of illustrating.
every team except for the dogs it would seem
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