Nathan and Ivan Cleary Sign Until 2032 with Penrith Panthers

The Cleary family has committed to the Penrith Panthers until 2032, a deal that is 12 years long. This is a very long time for players and coaches to stay with one team.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

Recent statements from Nathan Cleary and coach Ivan Cleary indicate a firm commitment to the Penrith Panthers, aiming to extend their team's successful run. This follows a period of speculation regarding potential team changes, particularly concerning the star playmaker. The club's ongoing success has been marked by significant player retention efforts.

The Penrith Panthers have recently seen key figures, Nathan Cleary and his father, coach Ivan Cleary, publicly address their future with the team. Amidst rumors of possible departures, both have issued statements emphasizing their dedication to the club. This comes as the Panthers have achieved considerable success, including multiple premierships, leading to increased interest from other teams in their star players.

Panthers’ nervous Cleary wait; ‘special’ teen’s statement display — LIVE NRL - 1

The information used in this report comes from a variety of sports news outlets. These include:

  • Sportshakers: Reporting on the official confirmation of the Cleary family's commitment.

  • 7news.com.au: Providing details on injury updates and coaching concerns.

  • loverugbyleague.com: Discussing hints about Nathan Cleary's future and transfer links.

  • Sporting News Australia: Offering injury updates during crucial game periods.

  • NRL.com: Presenting official player statistics and career information.

Enduring Loyalty or Strategic Announcement? Cleary Family's Future with Penrith

Recent declarations by Nathan Cleary and Ivan Cleary have publicly affirmed their long-term commitment to the Penrith Panthers, extending their contracts until 2032. This move appears designed to quell speculation about their potential departure from the club, which has been a dominant force in the National Rugby League (NRL). The announcements have been met with widespread celebration from Panthers fans, who view the father-son duo as central to the team's sustained success and ambition for further historical achievements.

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Panthers’ nervous Cleary wait; ‘special’ teen’s statement display — LIVE NRL - 2

The Panther Dynasty: A Legacy Secured?

The published statements from both Nathan and Ivan Cleary suggest a deliberate effort to project an image of unwavering dedication.

  • Nathan Cleary's purported quote, "We’re not just winning games; we’re building a legacy that future Panthers will carry. The journey’s not done yet, and I’m here to make sure we keep writing history," directly addresses the team's long-term vision.

  • Ivan Cleary reportedly echoed this sentiment, stating, "The dynasty isn’t ending — it’s just entering a new chapter. My commitment is as strong as ever.” These remarks aim to project stability and continued ambition.

  • Fans' reactions, described as erupting in celebration and flooding social media with excitement, highlight the significant public impact of these affirmations.

Injury Concerns and On-Field Performance

The period preceding these announcements was marked by Nathan Cleary's injury issues, which created a degree of uncertainty.

Panthers’ nervous Cleary wait; ‘special’ teen’s statement display — LIVE NRL - 3

  • In August 2024, Ivan Cleary acknowledged concerns about his son's fitness, noting that scans indicated a need for rest until the finals series. This injury had threatened the team's push for a fourth consecutive premiership.

  • During a semi-final victory in September 2025, both Nathan Cleary and another key player, Liam Martin, exited the field due to injuries. Nathan Cleary was reportedly winded, not suffering a recurrence of a previous shoulder issue.

  • These instances, while concerning at the time, did not ultimately appear to derail the team's objectives or lead to extended absences for crucial players heading into playoff periods.

Reports in June 2025 had linked Nathan Cleary with potential moves away from the Panthers, including speculation about a switch to rugby union.

Read More: Nathan Cleary faces ban for high tackle before NRL season opener vs Broncos

  • Ivan Cleary reportedly dismissed these suggestions, stating that his son was contracted with the Panthers for another two years and was focused on his current commitments.

  • However, a hint was also left open for a "possible move later in Cleary’s career," suggesting that while immediate departures were unlikely, future options might exist. The official statements in October 2025 appear to definitively close this immediate avenue of speculation.

Early Career and Consistent Performance

Nathan Cleary's career with the Panthers began at a young age, demonstrating early promise.

Panthers’ nervous Cleary wait; ‘special’ teen’s statement display — LIVE NRL - 4

  • He debuted in the NRL at 19 years old.

  • He holds club records, including the youngest player to score 200 points in a season and a remarkable 34-point haul against Newcastle.

  • He was a member of the Panthers' premiership-winning NYC side in 2015, underscoring his long-standing connection with the club's development system.

Expert Analysis: Future Implications of the Cleary's Declarations

The confirmations by Nathan Cleary and Ivan Cleary to remain with the Penrith Panthers until 2032 represent a significant development in the NRL landscape. From a strategic standpoint, retaining such pivotal figures solidifies the team's prospects for sustained success.

  • Team Stability: "The continuity provided by having both the star player and the coach committed long-term is invaluable for any team striving for sustained excellence," noted a sports analyst. "It allows for consistent strategy and development without the disruption of leadership or talent changes."

  • Market Impact: The clear announcement is also seen as a strong message to rival clubs. "This effectively shuts down any active recruitment drives for Nathan Cleary for the foreseeable future," stated an observer of NRL recruitment. "It concentrates the focus of other teams on different player pools."

  • Player Motivation: For Nathan Cleary, the extension could signal a desire to cement his legacy with a single club, aiming to build upon the Panthers' recent achievements. The 2032 date suggests a career-defining commitment, potentially encompassing the remainder of his playing days.

Conclusion: A Unified Front for Continued Dominance

The definitive public statements by Nathan Cleary and Ivan Cleary, confirming their commitment to the Penrith Panthers until 2032, appear to have effectively ended speculation regarding their immediate futures. These declarations arrive after periods of reported injury concerns for Nathan Cleary and external rumors about potential transfers.

  • The extended contracts aim to ensure team stability and continue the Panthers' legacy of success.

  • Fan response indicates strong support for the father-son duo's decision to remain with the club.

  • While past reports hinted at possibilities for future career moves, the current announcements solidify their allegiance to Penrith for the long term.

  • The focus now shifts to the team's continued performance and their ability to uphold the high standards they have set.

Key Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Nathan and Ivan Cleary agree to stay with the Penrith Panthers until 2032?
Nathan and Ivan Cleary have signed new contracts to stay with the Penrith Panthers until 2032. This decision aims to end talk about them leaving the team and to focus on winning more games.
Q: What does this new deal mean for the Penrith Panthers?
This deal means the team will have the same coach and star player for many years. It helps the team stay strong and keep winning, which fans are very happy about.
Q: Were there rumors about Nathan Cleary leaving the Panthers before this announcement?
Yes, in June 2025, there were reports that Nathan Cleary might move to another team or even play a different sport. Ivan Cleary said these rumors were not true for now, and the new contract confirms he will stay.
Q: Did Nathan Cleary have injury problems recently?
Yes, Nathan Cleary had some injury issues in August and September 2025. He missed some games because of a shoulder problem and was also hurt during a playoff game. However, he is expected to be okay for future games.
Q: How long has Nathan Cleary been playing for the Panthers?
Nathan Cleary started playing for the Panthers when he was 19. He has set club records and was part of the team that won a championship in 2015. He has a long history with the club.