In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, Penrith Panthers star halfback Nathan Cleary has turned down a staggering $5.9 million offer from the Parramatta Eels, choosing instead to remain loyal to the club where he made his name.
Cleary, widely regarded as one of the premier playmakers in the game, was the subject of intense interest from several clubs. However, it was the Eels who tabled what insiders describe as a “blockbuster deal,” reportedly worth $5.9 million over four years. The offer would have made Cleary one of the highest-paid players in NRL history.
Despite the financial allure and the opportunity to lead a new club into a fresh era, Cleary shocked many by reaffirming his commitment to the Panthers. “Penrith is home,” the 26-year-old said in a statement. “This club gave me my start, shaped me into the player I am today, and I’m not finished here yet. There’s more to achieve with this group, and I want to be part of that journey.”
Cleary has been a key figure in the Panthers’ recent golden era, guiding them to multiple premierships and solidifying their status as a modern-day dynasty. His decision to stay comes at a time when loyalty in professional sport is increasingly rare, and his move has been widely praised by fans and former players alike.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, who is also Nathan’s father, expressed pride in his son’s decision. “Nathan’s commitment goes beyond contracts and numbers. He’s grown up in this club, and his heart’s in the community, the jersey, and the team,” he said. “It’s a huge statement for our culture and what we’re building here.”
On the other side of the fence, the Eels are reportedly disappointed but respectful of Cleary’s decision. A club spokesperson acknowledged that while the club put forward its best offer, “Nathan has earned the right to choose where he wants to play, and we respect his loyalty.”
The decision also comes at a critical time for the Panthers, who have faced questions about their ability to retain top talent amid ongoing salary cap pressures. Cleary’s choice to remain, possibly on a reduced rate compared to what he could earn elsewhere, is expected to provide the club with much-needed stability and may influence other key players to follow suit.
Fans took to social media in droves, many applauding Cleary for prioritizing loyalty over money. “In a time where money talks louder than anything else, Nathan just showed what being a Panther truly means,” one supporter wrote on Twitter.
With his future now settled, Cleary and the Panthers can refocus on their quest for yet another title. And while rival clubs may continue to knock on his door, it’s clear that for now, Nathan Cleary’s heart remains in Penrith — where it all began.
