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Cleary next in line: Griffin

The Panthers hope to secure Cleary’s long-term future soon.

Published by
Stephen Marson

Penrith are keen to secure the future of star halfback Nathan Cleary, after recently tying up Reagan Campbell-Gillard on a long-term deal.

Campbell-Gillard signed a six-year deal earlier in the week, and the Panthers have now turned their attentions to the Origin half, given clubs can begin negotiating with Cleary as early as November 1.

The 20-year-old is currently contracted until the end of the 2019 season, but the Panthers are interested in fast-tracking Cleary's new deal, and will make that their top priority.

"Obviously that's something the club is working through and now that there's a lot of other guys settled here Nathan is one the club will want to work on as well," coach Anthony Griffin told the media on Friday.

"There's good stability here and the combination with Jim (James Maloney) now here and at rep level. That gives him some confidence about where the club is heading as well."

The Wests Tigers loom as a potential destination for Cleary if he leaves the Panthers, with father Ivan currently the coach at the joint-venture club.

Cleary has played 48 games for the Panthers since making his debut in round 13, 2016, and has scored 15 tries during his time at the club.

The young star is set to take the field on Saturday afternoon against the Sea Eagles, although Griffin understands Cleary - along with Maloney and Tyrone Peachey - may all need a break before the finals following their Origin performances.

"The draw is the draw. If someone needs a rest because of injury or we think they're burnt out ... we'll keep monitoring. But at the moment they're all pretty good," Griffin said.

"It's probably a couple of weeks after Origin where it hits them. Origin will be gone in a week or two and it will be down to business.

"For us as a club that starts after the break – that's [Saturday]. There is 10 games to go and the level will go up.

"We've got to keep building towards that, [Saturday] is really important for us."

Published by
Stephen Marson