Anticipation is building among rival NRL clubs eager to secure Nathan Cleary's services for 2028 and beyond, especially as he considers departing Penrith with his father at the end of next season.
Ivan Cleary's decision to end his successful coaching career after the 2027 season has sparked interest in his son's future, suggesting a fresh chapter for the skilled halfback elsewhere.
With Nathan Cleary's prominent status and the typical off-season halfback shuffle, it's expected that numerous suitors will emerge, including some of the Panthers' most formidable rivals.
Pryde identified the Roosters, Bulldogs, and Warriors as potential destinations for the New South Wales and Australian representative.
"The biggest watch is going to be on Nathan Cleary. The amount of money some clubs are going to throw at him, combined with some of his personal situation and his father not coaching (after 2027)... I think there's a good chance he will change clubs," Pryde stated on the NRL Contract Show.
"(The Roosters) are linked to every big-name player that's coming off-contract. That's just the nature of the Roosters. The biggest thing in this space is that Sam Walker is off-contract at the end of 2027. If the Roosters are going to look for an upgrade on Walker, there's only one guy you'd be looking at: Nathan Cleary. They've got plenty of money on the table, and James Tedesco and Daniel Tupou are probably going to retire in the next couple of years. From a leadership and money point of view, they could probably make it work."
"Canterbury need a halfback, there's no doubt about that. It's beyond all reasonable doubt now that Lachlan Galvin is not one of those. He's an exceptional five-eighth who probably needs to play alongside an experienced halfback who can control the system. Matt Burton, I think, will leave at the end of his current deal, which would free up money to go after Cleary, but they would need to make more roster shuffles to make it work and move Cleary into their salary cap."
"The Warriors are a big one. Nathan Cleary grew up in New Zealand and has spoken about his love for the country. The Warriors are losing (Luke) Metcalf and will have a significant amount of money they'll need to send. Yes, they have Luke Hanson and Jett Cleary coming through their system, but that in itself could be a play for Nathan Cleary if Nathan wants to play with his brother for a couple of years."
This week's NRL Contract Show episode highlighted a flurry of player movements, including Cam McInnes, Connor Watson, Sam Verrills, William Kennedy, and Hudson Young.