Nathan Cleary to PNG? Why the Panthers Superstar Is Being Linked With the Chiefs

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The PNG Chiefs may have only recently announced Joey Manu as their seventh major signing, but attention is already turning towards the next blockbuster name on the expansion club's recruitment list: Nathan Cleary.

For weeks, speculation surrounded the identity of the Chiefs' mysterious "007" signin*, with many believing Penrith's superstar halfback could be the man heading to Papua New Guinea. Instead, that honour went to former Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu, who has signed a two-year deal to join the club for its inaugural NRL season in 2028.

However, the fact Cleary was not signing number seven does not mean the story is over.

The PNG Chiefs have already assembled an impressive collection of talent ahead of their 2028 entry into the NRL.

Jarome Luai was unveiled as the club's historic first signing, while Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax, Brian To'o and now Joey Manu have also committed to the expansion side.

But there is one major position still waiting to be filled and that is halfback.

And when the club is searching for one of the biggest names possible to lead its inaugural team around the field, there aren't any bigger targets than Nathan Cleary.

Cleary has been repeatedly linked with the Chiefs as they prepare to enter the player market, alongside other elite playmakers including Sam Walker.

On the field, the move would be enormous. Cleary is one of the defining players of his generation and has been at the centre of Penrith's remarkable era of success. Adding a player of his calibre would immediately give the Chiefs one of the game's elite organisers and a genuine face of the franchise.

It would also create an incredible storyline alongside Jarome Luai. The pair formed one of the most successful halves combinations in modern NRL history at Penrith, winning multiple premierships together before Luai departed for the Wests Tigers.

The Chiefs have to be careful with what they say publicly while players remain contracted elsewhere.

PNG football boss Michael Chammas recently refused to be drawn into speculation about Cleary, acknowledging the rules surrounding contracted players.

But the important date to watch is November. From then, Cleary is expected to be able to speak with rival clubs as the race for his future heats up, and the Chiefs are expected to be among the teams closely monitoring his situation.

That is when the speculation could become much more serious.

The Panthers have already watched a number of key players leave during their premiership era, and the arrival of the PNG Chiefs has added another powerful competitor to the market.

The expansion club has financial advantages that have already become a major talking point across rugby league. Penrith coach Ivan Cleary recently acknowledged the difficulty other clubs could face when trying to compete with what PNG can offer players.

And the Panthers have several major decisions approaching. Nathan Cleary is the biggest.

Keeping a player of his quality was never going to be simple, but competing with an ambitious expansion club looking for a superstar halfback with tax free money could make the battle even harder.

The Chiefs have already made it clear they aren't entering the NRL simply to make up the numbers. Signing Jarome Luai was a statement. Signing Brian To'o was another. Then came Joey Manu.

The club is building a roster filled with experience, premiership winners and international stars, while also investing heavily in developing a long-term pathway for Papua New Guinean talent.

But signing Nathan Cleary would be on another level entirely. He would become the most significant signing arguably in NRL history and immediately transform expectations surrounding the Chiefs inaugural season.

For now, though, this remains a story to watch rather than a done deal.

Will Nathan Cleary be the superstar who eventually leads the Chiefs into the NRL?