'It doesn't change my position': Nathan Cleary's defiant call as uncertainty lingers over future
Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has shot down suggestions that the appointment of former teammate Peter Wallace as future head coach will fast-track his decision regarding his playing future.
Wallace is set to step into the top job following the bombshell announcement that Nathan's father, Ivan Cleary, will step down as Penrith's head coach at the close of the 2027 season.
Fronting the media in Brisbane on Saturday evening during Magic Round, the 28-year-old halfback addressed his father's impending departure and whether Wallace's promotion might convince him to remain with Penrith.
READ MORE: NSW star ruled out of State of Origin opener
READ MORE: Benji dealt new issue as star injured in nightmare loss to Manly
READ MORE: Waratahs shock Super Rugby with 50 point win
Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron recently touted Wallace as a potential "trump card" in retaining Cleary, but the halfback remains steadfast in his own timeline.
Nathan Cleary of the Panthers. Getty
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
"I was lucky enough to play alongside 'Wal' [Wallace]. He was someone I looked up to, and the way he played the game, the toughness, I have the utmost respect for him. I'm really happy for him," Cleary said.
"But it doesn't change my position. I'm still not ready to make that decision yet, and that won't change over the next six to eight-week period. We'll see how it goes."
Pressed further on the appeal of playing under Wallace, Cleary said it held some weight.
"It's not something I've thought about too much, but potentially [it helps]. 'Wal' is the kind of guy anyone would like to play for," Cleary said.
"He was someone I loved playing alongside … It's obviously a pressing thing, which I understand, but it's definitely a decision I won't take lightly, and it won't happen any time soon."
Nathan Cleary's future with the Panthers is uncertain. NRL Imagery
Speculation has naturally swirled regarding a potential move to England, which would allow Cleary to be closer to his partner, Matildas star Mary Fowler.
"Obviously I'll have conversations with her given she's my partner," Cleary said.
"But it's not something that I've done yet."
Cleary admitted his father's call to move on at the end of 2027 would see a "weight lifted off his shoulders" for both his dad and Ivan's wife Bec.
"I'm really happy for him, not only for him, but also mum (Bec). The women and wives often get forgotten in all of this," he said.
"Dad has been a part of the NRL for 35 years now, and mum has had to ride the highs and lows and the rollercoaster with him.
Ivan Cleary embraces son Nathan during the 2018 State of Origin series. Getty
"For them to enjoy more of a stress-free life, hopefully, it's really good.
"Dad has been holding on to it for a little while now, so to get it out there, I'm happy and I'm proud.
"I knew he didn't want to coach forever. Him and mum wanted to enjoy a life where it didn't revolve around the week-in, week-out season. I didn't know when that was going to be.
"He wanted more than anything to let the people know who needed to know, 'Wal' in particular.
"To be honest, it [the decision] is probably a weight off his shoulders, and lets him focus on what's ahead."
Cleary will lead Penrith against last-placed St George Illawarra on Sunday night at Magic Round.
