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.
16. Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks are going to have the first part of their squad transformation at the end of 2026, and probably another at the end of 2027, but they won't have the money for Nathan Cleary.
Addin Fonua-Blake is on seven figures and contracted until the end of 2028, and halfback Nicho Hynes to the end of 2029 on the same.
Braydon Trindall is also contracted until the end of 2028.
As much as Hynes could be used at fullback to open up a spot for Cleary at the number seven, thus creating what would be one of the most dangerous spines in the game, it's simply not going to happen.
every team except for the dogs it would seem
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