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.
10. Newcastle Knights
The Knights' biggest question in the next year or so is what happens to Kalyn Ponga.
Every bit of speculation suggests he is going to leave the club at the end of 2027, although that rumour floated around last time his signature was up for grabs, so… Believe it when you see it.
If Ponga does leave though, they'd suddenly have the money to throw at Cleary, with Fletcher Sharpe becoming the long-term fullback.
It doesn't mean great returns for Sandon Smith who could be limited to the bench or dummy half, but the chance for the Knights to link up Dylan Brown and Nathan Cleary would be one which is simply too good to refuse.
every team except for the dogs it would seem
Thanks for bringing this to our attention – there was a coding error causing the Canterbury section not to display. That has now been corrected.
you’re welcome