**Breaking: Nathan Cleary Signs $45.4 Million Contract for Historic Move**
In an unprecedented move that has stunned the rugby league world, Nathan Cleary has just signed a record-breaking $45.4 million contract with an undisclosed club, effective from the 2026 NRL season. The deal, which was confirmed just moments ago, makes Cleary one of the highest-paid players in NRL history and sets the stage for a new chapter in his already illustrious career.
Cleary, 26, has been the cornerstone of the Penrith Panthers for nearly a decade, leading the team to multiple premierships and establishing himself as one of the best playmakers in the history of the game. His combination of leadership, vision, and clutch performances has earned him numerous accolades, including Dally M Halfback of the Year awards and a string of successful State of Origin campaigns with New South Wales. However, in a shocking turn, Cleary has decided to leave the club that he helped elevate to new heights.
The $45.4 million contract, one of the largest in NRL history, will see Cleary make the switch to a new team after the 2025 season, marking the end of his long tenure with the Panthers. While the name of the new club has not yet been disclosed, sources suggest it’s a move designed to provide Cleary with new challenges and the opportunity to continue building his legacy in a different environment.
For Penrith fans, the news is a bitter pill to swallow. Cleary has been the face of the franchise during their most successful period, leading them to back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022. His ability to control matches, create scoring opportunities, and guide his team through pressure-filled moments has made him one of the most beloved players in the NRL. The Panthers’ success in recent years has been built on Cleary’s unmatched talent, and his departure will leave a huge void in the team.
Cleary himself addressed the move in a statement released shortly after the news broke. “It’s been an incredible ride at Penrith, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities the club has given me. But after much thought, I’ve decided that this is the right time to take on a new challenge and embrace a fresh opportunity. I’m excited about what lies ahead,” Cleary said.
The new club, which is expected to make a formal announcement soon, is already feeling the weight of securing a player of Cleary’s caliber. This monumental deal will not only have a massive impact on the team’s future success but also change the dynamics of the NRL, with Cleary now firmly positioned as one of the game’s most influential figures.
For Penrith, the task now is to find a successor capable of stepping into Cleary’s enormous shoes. While his departure leaves a significant gap, the Panthers have the foundation to continue their success, even as they embark on life without their star halfback.
The NRL world will now be watching closely to see how Cleary’s move unfolds, and whether his new journey will be as successful as the one he built in Penrith.
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