Former Penrith Panthers player Mark Geyer suggests that if Nathan Cleary opts to leave the club, he will have "the blessing of every person in Penrith" after his successful tenure there.
According to News Corp, the PNG Chiefs are eager to sign Cleary with a lucrative offer of $1.5 million per year if he decides to enter the market on November 1, when he can negotiate with other teams for a 2028 deal.
Cleary has not yet extended his contract with the Panthers, leading to widespread speculation about his potential departure, especially with just two months until rival clubs can make bids.
As the top player in the NRL, Cleary may command unprecedented figures in his next agreement, and Geyer believes there would be no resentment if he chose to leave.
"As hard as it would be for him to leave Penrith, that money - you are getting every cent of it and that is money that I don't think you can knock that back," Geyer said on 2GB's Continuous Call Team.
"He has financially done enough; he doesn't really need the cabbage.
"Whatever he decides, he has the blessing of every person in Penrith."
A significant shift is anticipated at the end of 2027, with popular player Brian To'o set to join the Chiefs and coach Ivan Cleary resigning next season.
With younger brother Jett likely returning to Australia after being cleared from his Warriors contract, next year could be a final chance for the Cleary trio to play together.