NRL: Cleary Open to Market, DCE Intel & Tigers’ Luai Replacement

Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary is not ruling out testing the open market at the end of the 2027 season, potentially sparking a frenzy for the star halfback’s signature. Currently contracted with Penrith until the end of 2027, Cleary has begun preliminary discussions with the club regarding an extension, but remains open to exploring his options.

The 28-year-old’s willingness to consider other opportunities comes as a surprise given his deep ties to the Panthers, where he has won four premierships alongside his father, coach Ivan Cleary. However, Cleary acknowledged the unfamiliarity of the negotiation process and his desire to avoid prematurely committing to a long-term deal.

“It’s a process that’s pretty foreign to me, I’ve never done it,” Cleary said. “That’s a discussion to be had in the coming weeks or months or whatever. I don’t know. (I’ve said) I wasn’t going to close off any avenues, like I was quite open to everything… I just didn’t want to really lock myself in too early. But I’ve always said as well that a week is such a long time in rugby league let alone a few months, so you just don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Should Cleary turn into available, it’s widely believed he would be more inclined to seek a new club than simply leveraging offers to inflate his value at Penrith. This stance adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, as rival clubs will undoubtedly be eager to secure the services of one of the game’s premier players.

Adding to the speculation, Cleary was linked to the newly formed Papua New Guinea franchise, though he downplayed any serious consideration of a move. Despite this, the possibility of a shift away from the Panthers remains very real, and the club faces a crucial period of negotiation to retain their star player.

“It’s pretty hard to imagine right now, yeah,” Cleary admitted when asked about the prospect of leaving Penrith. “I haven’t really thought about it too much but trying to imagine being somewhere else, it’s tough to think of in my mind.”

The situation is further complicated by the contract status of Ivan Cleary, who is as well off-contract at the end of 2027. The Panthers face the prospect of potentially losing both father and son, a scenario that would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the NRL.

In other news, Roosters coach Trent Robinson has stated he will not directly solicit information from former Roosters player and current Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans regarding his former team. Cherry-Evans returns to 4 Pines Park on Thursday to face his old club, and Robinson acknowledged the potential value of his insights but emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries.

“It’s a real balance… I never like to ask, ‘Rightio share me all the secrets’. I don’t think that’s right,” Robinson said. “I don’t apply pressure like that. But any cues you can give about ground or an opposition player you’re facing, if there’s any benefit there then he can offer that. But you definitely don’t ask for the playbook. That’s not the right thing to do.”

Former player Cooper Cronk anticipates a strategic chess match between the Roosters and Manly, with both teams possessing inside knowledge of their opponent’s strengths, and weaknesses. The game promises to be a fascinating tactical battle, with Cherry-Evans’ familiarity with both sides adding an extra dimension.

Meanwhile, Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has backed Jock Madden to fill the void left by injured halfback Jarome Luai, who is sidelined for four weeks with a knee injury. Despite Luai’s absence, Marshall expressed confidence in Madden’s ability to step up and contribute to the team.

“Jarome’s our Energizer Bunny who gives a lot of energy to the team, and he’s got his own strengths,” Marshall said. “But we’ve got Jock coming in who has got some big strings of his own that we’re looking forward to him putting out. At the end of the day, everyone has injuries. What you’ve got to do is have systems in place that no matter who comes in, everyone knows their job and how you want to play.”

Marshall also reflected on the challenges and rewards of coaching, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and the opportunity to shape players’ lives both on and off the field.

“Without struggle and a bit of failure, there’s no growth,” Marshall said. “I’m constantly evolving and working on what I’m doing as a coach, and always looking for ways to be better. That’s the key to it. I’m enjoying it, I love it, I’m passionate about the job and I love coaching these boys.”

Finally, Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has lauded Herbie Farnworth as the best centre in the world ahead of Friday’s clash against the Broncos. Woolf highlighted Farnworth’s impact on the game, praising his carries, offloads, and overall contribution to the team.

“Well, I think he is (the best centre in the world) and he thinks he is as well,” Woolf said. “He’s great to have in the team because he comes up with things. He came up with plenty of things (against the Sharks).”

The Battle of Brisbane promises to be a fierce contest, with both teams boasting talented rosters and a strong desire to claim bragging rights. The matchup between Farnworth and Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs is particularly intriguing, as the two former teammates will now face off as rivals.