I’m in no hurry to sign a contract: Nathan Cleary on his future

Champion Panthers half Nathan Cleary says the appointment of Peter Wallace as Penrith coach will not lead to him fast-tracking any decision on his next contract – and his partner, Matildas star Mary Fowler will also be consulted about what happens beyond 2027.

Cleary fronted the press in Brisbane on Saturday evening to discuss his father and coach Ivan Cleary’s call to move on at the end of next year, and what it means to have his former teammate Wallace move into the hot seat.

The Penrith mentor announced on Wednesday he wanted to spend more time with his family, his wife Bec and would never coach against the Panthers, but was open to a role at representative level.

The immediate question being asked by Panthers fans was what would Ivan’s exit mean for Nathan, whose next move has become one of the hottest topics in rugby league. He is off contract at the end of 2027, but again made it clear he is no sure thing to hit the open market on November 1.

As for whether Wallace would help convince him to re-commit to the western Sydney powerhouse club, Cleary said: “I was lucky enough to play alongside Wal, 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.

“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 weight week period.

“We’ll see how it goes.”

Pressed on comments made by Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron that Wallace essentially loomed as a trump card in trying to keep Cleary, the 28-year-old halfback said: “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.

“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.”

Fowler plays professional football in England with Manchester City, and Nathan has been able to make the long-distance relationship work.

“Obviously I’ll have conversations with her given she’s my partner,” Cleary said when about his next deal. “But it’s not something that I’ve done yet.”

Cleary said his father’s departure would not lead to a player exodus. A raft of big names, including Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Liam Martin are all off contract at the end of next year. The club is hoping the succession plan in place will help retain some of the stars.

“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,” Cleary said of his dad’s decision.

“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.

“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 into battle against the last-placed St George Illawarra on Sunday night.

He will then join NSW camp on Monday and get to work on conquering the last arena he is yet to regularly dominate, Origin football.