Cleary puts contract talks on hold again as Yeo deal stalls
Updated . First published
Nathan Cleary’s management has confirmed he’s halting contract negotiations again as November 1 looms.
Cleary is currently nursing serious leg injuries after two operations following Penrith’s finals exit.
Nathan Cleary posted from the hospital after surgery. @_nathancleary
The Panthers halfback went into his preliminary final with his right foot fractured before a horror compound fracture for the left leg came during the match after a Phoenix Crossland hip-drop tackle.
The Sydney Morning Herald has revealed his contract talks with Penrith have now been put on hold, with recovery the priority.
His management confirmed that relates to all clubs, not just the Panthers.
The superstar halfback will be a free agent for the first time when he comes off contract next month, and is expected to field offers from several rival clubs.
Intriguingly, his co-captain Isaah Yeo is also yet to have a contract extension green-lit by the NRL.
According to News Corp, the NRL’s salary cap auditor is seeking more information from Penrith about promises of a post-playing career for Yeo.
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The gun lock has agreed to a new three-year deal with the Panthers but it is yet to be locked in, and he may also officially come off contract come November 1.
Cleary was comforted by his partner Mary Fowler in the last week after she opted to withdraw from the Matildas’ friendly matches.
The Panthers halfback has been coy this year over his future but has flirted all season with the idea of being a free agent by November 1.
The Panthers are also in negotiations with Liam Martin, who is expected to attract plenty of interest from rivals.
All three men are tipped to stay with the Panthers and be part of Peter Wallace’s team when he starts as head coach in 2028.
