Cleary Targets November 1: Could Become NRL’s First $2M Superstar
Nathan Cleary will be free to open contract talks with rival clubs from November 1, 2026. He remains contracted to Penrith until the end of 2027.
What November 1 means
The timeline aligns with NRL rules allowing players in their final contracted year to negotiate. Reports say Cleary plans to test interest rather than rush a decision.
Code Sports journalist Brent Read told NRL360 those close to Cleary expect him to explore the market from that date.
Insiders’ read on Cleary’s intentions
Cleary has described himself as open to options and says he is not in a hurry. Observers interpret that as a willingness to assess alternatives.
NRL great Gorden Tallis told reporters he still thinks Cleary is likely to stay. He added a move would not surprise given Cleary’s achievements.
Potential price tag
Kalyn Ponga is currently understood to be the game’s top earner at about $1.4 million. Analysts believe Cleary would exceed that figure.
Journalists Michael Carayannis and Brent Read suggested Cleary could command unprecedented money. Many expect him to push into the two-million-dollar range and become the sport’s first $2M superstar.
Market implications
A big deal for Cleary would reshape salary expectations. Other clubs would need significant cap space to compete.
Penrith’s looming contract crunch
Cleary is one of several Panthers due to become a free agent on November 1, 2026. The list includes multiple Origin players and depth options.
- Nathan Cleary
- Isaah Yeo
- Mitch Kenny
- Liam Martin
- Blaize Talagi
- Brian To’o
- Moses Leota
- Paul Alamoti
- Isaiah Papali’i
- Tom Jenkins
Who might move?
NRL360 host Braith Anasta suggested Penrith cannot retain every departing player. Michael Carayannis added that several listed players could attract large offers.
Carayannis also noted a roster shift, saying Liam Henry and Scott Sorensen are set to move to Perth at year’s end. He warned of a resulting salary-cap squeeze.
Filmogaz.com will follow transfer window developments as clubs prepare for November 1 negotiations. Cleary targets November 1 as the key date, and his decision could define a new market benchmark.
