Updated July 24, 2026 – 12:00 p.m.first published July 24, 2026 – 5:00 am
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Panthers champion Nathan Cleary has shared details of his playing future, all but ruling out a potential move to the New Zealand Warriors over concerns he could stand in the way of his younger brother Jett.
What Cleary will do after the 2027 season – and even if he is ready to hit the open market on November 1 – has become one of rugby league’s biggest storylines.
Cool number: Nathan Cleary tests Tallinn da Silva.NRL
The Warriors, where Cleary’s father Ivan coached and played, were one of the rival clubs regularly linked with the midfielder, along with cashed-in PNG Chiefs and their tax incentives.
Cleary said he had used the last few weeks to get back into club life in Penrith after leading NSW to a memorable Origin series win and was unsure about becoming a free agent.
The Panthers remain hopeful of reaching a deal and even meeting with him and his management in the coming weeks.
Regarding the move to the Warriors, reported in News Corp this week, Cleary said: “I grew up (in Auckland) for quite a long time (several years) and I admit I was a Warriors fan growing up.
“But at the end of the day, even if it was an opportunity (to play for them), I would be blocking my little brother’s path. I’m not too sure about that.
“I want to think about it a little more. Origin has had a bit of a slump over the last few weeks and I’ve been trying to get back into a routine with the boys and get back into consistent training.
“Things like this (contract) will work on their own.”
Jett, 21, played in the Penrith system before heading to the Warriors, where he is yet to make his NRL debut.
Nathan was pleased the Panthers were able to secure a 24-18 win over Western Sydney rivals Parramatta on Thursday night but felt unwell with one of his shots crashing into the head of Tallinn Da Silva from close range, forcing him off the field with a head injury which he later succumbed to.
Nathan Cleary’s shot missed Tallinn da Silva.Nine
It was nice when Cleary decided to check on da Silva as he rolled around in pain while being helped by a trainer in the middle of CommBank Stadium.
“I wouldn’t want this to happen to me; I wanted to see if he was okay (because) it kind of snapped his neck a little bit too,” Cleary said.
“I remember we had a captain’s run, I was doing 40-20, right in front of me was (former Panther) Api Koroisau and I did the same thing, he had an earring on and the earring popped out.
“It was the day before the game and he was lucky he didn’t get a concussion. It was so similar to what happened tonight.”
Da Silva said he will be fit to play against his former club Wests Tigers next Sunday in what will be his 50th NRL game.
“It looked like a rocket,” Da Silva said of Cleary’s gun.
“He hit me on the back of the head, my ears started ringing and my head hurt. I was in a lot of pain at that moment. It was partly my fault because I turned around and passed out a little bit.
“Once I got up and walked around, it went away. It’s supposed to happen from time to time. I was just unlucky.”
The Panthers travel to Mudgee next weekend to play Canberra. Defensive end Dylan Edwards missed the Eels’ clash with a shoulder injury after receiving 10 stitches to a serious head gash last week and is unsure he will return against the Raiders. His replacement, Jaxen Edgar, performed well in his second NRL game.
Winger Tom Jenkins took his season tally to 26 tries, breaking Rhys Wesser’s long-standing club record of 25 set in 2003 – the year Penrith won the premiership.
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