Cleary is aiming to do a Cronk. But have Panthers already clinched the ultimate prize?

September 27, 2026 — 5:00am

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The Cooper Cronk-style courage shown by Penrith champion Nathan Cleary to get on the field for Sunday’s preliminary final against the Knights should be the biggest story surrounding the Panthers No.7.

The fact that he will play with a “stress-related bone issue” in his kicking foot is remarkable. But the hottest rumour in the game is that Cleary has reached a handshake agreement with Penrith to stay in the NRL.

That message has been spread by clubs and agents. The truth is hard to establish. From what we have learned, there has been an informal discussion recently to establish what kind of money would be expected to secure him beyond 2027. A salary of $1.7 million a year seems to be a reasonable base.

It’s a guide, so that the Panthers know what they’re dealing with when it comes to planning their roster. But the talk of a handshake agreement appears to be off the mark.

Given his status as the game’s best player, you can be certain Cleary’s contract is not as simple as a number and a signature. And rightly so. To say the deal is done is wildly inaccurate. Any deal won’t happen for weeks.

What is not in doubt is that Cleary will play through severe pain in the Knights match and potentially a grand final.

It promises to be the most courageous of efforts, up there with Cronk’s 2018 performance for the Roosters in their decider against the Storm when he played with a broken shoulder blade.

Of course, Cleary’s teammate Isaah Yeo is also playing hurt on Sunday, with a torn pectoral.

Eels keen on keeping Ryles

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles is deep in negotiations about a contract extension beyond 2028.

Ryles has one of the toughest jobs in rugby league – ending the Eels’ four-decade wait for a premiership, the longest in the NRL. But the Eels have confidence in the coach.

Some in the media doubt Ryles will see out his four-year deal, but that contrasts with Parramatta’s thinking.

This column has had two reports of meetings between Eels chairman Matthew Beach and Ryles’ agent, George Mimis.

We sought comment about the negotiation and received nothing back.

Ryles was the hottest coaching prospect on the market when Parramatta snapped him up in 2024. And the club have not changed their opinion of his ability. In fact, it has only grown after seeing him up close.

It’s why they want to extend him. It would also take him out of the running to replace Craig Bellamy, who has indicated he will only do the Melbourne coaching job for one more year.

Ryles would be a natural fit for the gig at the Storm, having previously spent time as an assistant coach under Bellamy. However, he is still building the roster he wants at Parramatta. The likes of Spencer Leniu and potentially Bradman Best could follow 2027 Eels recruits Jarome Luai and Jayden Su’A.

The key to the Eels remains unlocking the club’s vast junior base and making sure they have a steady flow of talent coming into their top 30.

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© The Sydney Morning Herald