Nathan Cleary
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Matthew Johns reveals Phil Gould’s hidden reason for releasing Penrith Panthers stars
PANTHERS
Ben Glover
February 5, 2018 11:30am
BEN GLOVER@glover_benny
Source: FOX SPORTS
BRYCE Cartwright has joined Matt Moylan in Penrith’s star-studded off-season departure lounge as the Panthers’ roster transformation continues at whirlwind pace.
Considering both were signed on with the club until the end of 2021, the moves symbolise a somewhat alarming rethink of the roster strategy to win the club an elusive first premiership under the club’s high profile general manager Phil Gould.
The decisions to release both those players had off-field issues at their core but Matthew Johns also sees their departures as the culmination of a call to leave no stone unturned to keep Nathan Cleary at Penrith long-term.
Still just 20, Cleary has had a phenomenal rise to stardom in his first two years at NRL level and Johns says his decision last year to knock back a lucrative long-term contract extension tabled by the Panthers was a light bulb moment for Gould.
“The other thing I think Gus knows is the money they’re going to have to spend to keep Nathan Cleary is a lot more than they first thought — because they offered him a pretty big contract recently and he didn’t sign on, he didn’t extend,” Johns said on Triple M’s The Grill Team.
“So he’s in for a big pay day when he next signs a contract.”
Cleary is tied to Penrith until the end of the 2019 season but the Panthers knew very early that tying him up long-term had to be a priority or it could cost them dearly.
When he was still 19 Gould pitched a deal to keep him at the club until the end of the 2022 season. It was reported to be worth roughly $3 million.
Gould can be a tough man to say no to but Cleary backed himself to continue to improve and as it stands his next contract will be worth a lot more than that — more than likely it will be significantly more than $1 million-a-season.
To make an offer like that the Panthers needed to start clearing the decks — Moylan, Cartwright and Leiulani Latu have since been released and Tyrone Peachey is expected to be next to go despite a contract with Penrith that doesn’t expire until the end of next season.
It all adds up to a war chest that will ensure the Panthers can put together a massive offer to make Cleary the face of the franchise for the next decade if they choose to.
That’s the financial side of things taken care of but Johns says what they do on the field this year will also play a big role in Cleary’s decision, with the young halfback set to become a free agent on November 1 this year.
“Big year coming up for Penrith because if they do finish top four and threaten and get close to a title, I think that will convince Nathan to stay,” Johns said.
“If it’s a disappointing season it might make it very easy for him to walk out and join his dad at the Wests Tigers.”
Speculation that Cleary will move clubs to join his father started when Ivan first took the job last year and the coach has thrown fuel on the fire with some provocative comments about that prospect when he was interviewed by NRL.com last year.
“Basically we’re both coming to the opinion that we’d like to play together. It’s just a question of timing really,” Cleary Snr said in November last year.
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“He’s still got two years to go at the Panthers and I think that’s good for him. He’s not in a hurry to decide that, but we both realise that this situation is a pretty unique opportunity.
“I was always conscious of never wanting to put him in a position that compromises him being up front.
“But the further (his career) is going I’m getting more confident it won’t be a problem. But we’re not thinking about it too much right now. Probably in 12 months time it will be more relevant.”
Gould was peeved by those comments and it’s forced him into action, with Garth Brennan’s appointment at the Titans smoothing the way for players to be moved off Penrith’s books.
Brennan has established relationships with many of the Panthers players he coached in the lower grades and the lines of communication between him and his old club have been open ever since he signed to succeed axed former coach Neil Henry.
“What’s interesting with Garth Brennan is he’s brought a lot of these young guys at Penrith through,” Johns said.
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“And obviously they love him because Leilani Latu’s gone up to the Gold Coast, Tyrone Peachey is going up to the Gold Coast next year…”
Brennan’s extremely close relationship with Cartwright also convinced Gould that was the place to put the wayward youngster.
“This was the story that was brewing just before Christmas, that Phil Gould was keen for Garth Brennan to take Bryce Cartwright to the Gold Coast because Gus believed that Bryce needed to very quickly, as soon as possible, get himself out of Sydney because he’d found himself in an unhealthy rut and that he wasn’t going to be able to reach his potential out at Penrith and he wanted him out of Sydney,” Johns said.
PANTHERS
Ben Glover
February 5, 2018 11:30am
BEN GLOVER@glover_benny
Source: FOX SPORTS
BRYCE Cartwright has joined Matt Moylan in Penrith’s star-studded off-season departure lounge as the Panthers’ roster transformation continues at whirlwind pace.
Considering both were signed on with the club until the end of 2021, the moves symbolise a somewhat alarming rethink of the roster strategy to win the club an elusive first premiership under the club’s high profile general manager Phil Gould.
The decisions to release both those players had off-field issues at their core but Matthew Johns also sees their departures as the culmination of a call to leave no stone unturned to keep Nathan Cleary at Penrith long-term.
Still just 20, Cleary has had a phenomenal rise to stardom in his first two years at NRL level and Johns says his decision last year to knock back a lucrative long-term contract extension tabled by the Panthers was a light bulb moment for Gould.
“The other thing I think Gus knows is the money they’re going to have to spend to keep Nathan Cleary is a lot more than they first thought — because they offered him a pretty big contract recently and he didn’t sign on, he didn’t extend,” Johns said on Triple M’s The Grill Team.
“So he’s in for a big pay day when he next signs a contract.”
Cleary is tied to Penrith until the end of the 2019 season but the Panthers knew very early that tying him up long-term had to be a priority or it could cost them dearly.
When he was still 19 Gould pitched a deal to keep him at the club until the end of the 2022 season. It was reported to be worth roughly $3 million.
Gould can be a tough man to say no to but Cleary backed himself to continue to improve and as it stands his next contract will be worth a lot more than that — more than likely it will be significantly more than $1 million-a-season.
To make an offer like that the Panthers needed to start clearing the decks — Moylan, Cartwright and Leiulani Latu have since been released and Tyrone Peachey is expected to be next to go despite a contract with Penrith that doesn’t expire until the end of next season.
It all adds up to a war chest that will ensure the Panthers can put together a massive offer to make Cleary the face of the franchise for the next decade if they choose to.
That’s the financial side of things taken care of but Johns says what they do on the field this year will also play a big role in Cleary’s decision, with the young halfback set to become a free agent on November 1 this year.
“Big year coming up for Penrith because if they do finish top four and threaten and get close to a title, I think that will convince Nathan to stay,” Johns said.
“If it’s a disappointing season it might make it very easy for him to walk out and join his dad at the Wests Tigers.”
Speculation that Cleary will move clubs to join his father started when Ivan first took the job last year and the coach has thrown fuel on the fire with some provocative comments about that prospect when he was interviewed by NRL.com last year.
“Basically we’re both coming to the opinion that we’d like to play together. It’s just a question of timing really,” Cleary Snr said in November last year.
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\
“He’s still got two years to go at the Panthers and I think that’s good for him. He’s not in a hurry to decide that, but we both realise that this situation is a pretty unique opportunity.
“I was always conscious of never wanting to put him in a position that compromises him being up front.
“But the further (his career) is going I’m getting more confident it won’t be a problem. But we’re not thinking about it too much right now. Probably in 12 months time it will be more relevant.”
Gould was peeved by those comments and it’s forced him into action, with Garth Brennan’s appointment at the Titans smoothing the way for players to be moved off Penrith’s books.
Brennan has established relationships with many of the Panthers players he coached in the lower grades and the lines of communication between him and his old club have been open ever since he signed to succeed axed former coach Neil Henry.
“What’s interesting with Garth Brennan is he’s brought a lot of these young guys at Penrith through,” Johns said.
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“And obviously they love him because Leilani Latu’s gone up to the Gold Coast, Tyrone Peachey is going up to the Gold Coast next year…”
Brennan’s extremely close relationship with Cartwright also convinced Gould that was the place to put the wayward youngster.
“This was the story that was brewing just before Christmas, that Phil Gould was keen for Garth Brennan to take Bryce Cartwright to the Gold Coast because Gus believed that Bryce needed to very quickly, as soon as possible, get himself out of Sydney because he’d found himself in an unhealthy rut and that he wasn’t going to be able to reach his potential out at Penrith and he wanted him out of Sydney,” Johns said.
Sunnycoast_tiger
Well-known member
Let's just say, Nathan Cleary resigns with Penrith mid-year and Brooks fails this year. Who do we look at??
The schemeing Gould always thinking ahead…. must have ruled out that father and son would want to be together at the one club when he showed Ivan the door.
Might be clearing the decks to make the big play for Nathan, but may also need some heavy artillery to try and lure his father back as well. How sweet it would be if he outsmarted himself.
Might be clearing the decks to make the big play for Nathan, but may also need some heavy artillery to try and lure his father back as well. How sweet it would be if he outsmarted himself.
Comment: Why Nathan Cleary has one foot out the door at Penrith
February 4, 2018 7:18pm ESTFebruary 4, 2018 7:18pm ESTThey say revenge is a dish best served cold.
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Adam Lucius
Updated at 7:18 p.m. ET
They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
MORE: Penrith fans divided over Bryce Cartwright's departure | The frightening statistic your NRL club needs to address before 2018
If that’s the case, then Penrith could soon be delivered a frozen sh*t pie – family size.
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The chances of Nathan Cleary staying at the Panthers beyond 2019 appear as likely as Gus Gould winning this year’s series of The Bachelor.
Nathan has watched on quietly over the past year as Te Maire Martin, Leilani Latu, Matt Moylan and now Bryce Cartwright departed the foot of the mountains for new starts elsewhere.
Four talented footballers – two of them prized local juniors – gone quicker than free beer.
At least two of those teammates left due to dramas unrelated to football, either in their personal lives or with those in charge at Penrith.
Phil Gould’s decision to punt Ivan Cleary as Penrith coach at the end of the 2015 season caused the coach’s family massive heartache and upheaval.
The reasons given by Gus – that Cleary was burnt out and in need of a break – only added to the angst and confusion.
Cleary felt neither burn-out or in need of a long holiday.
He and his family had invested heavily in the club and the local area and were in for the long haul.
Yet Gus said at the time: “It was the right decision for Ivan, and for the club.”
You could argue Gould was wrong on both counts.
Ivan was given plenty of opportunities to fire back at the time but politely declined every media request.
He’s been around rugby league long enough to know shooting off your mouth, especially if your target is the powerful Gould, won’t get you far and that another chance is never too far away.
But in a delicious irony, Cleary is now in a position to torpedo Penrith’s long-term future by luring son Nathan away to join him at Wests Tigers in 2020.
Nathan’s management team has shelved contract talks with the Panthers in a clear sign the half-back is seriously considering not extending his stay beyond next season.
Ivan and Nathan are extremely close and would love to be at the same club again sometime in the future.
Ivan won’t coerce Nathan into walking out on the Panthers to join the Tigers, but he may not need to.
Nathan saw first-hand the devastation Ivan’s sacking caused the family and won’t be swayed by any sense of loyalty to Penrith.
Want sauce with that pie?
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I agree. Gould had shot himself in the foot. Cleary will cone here I think.
February 4, 2018 7:18pm ESTFebruary 4, 2018 7:18pm ESTThey say revenge is a dish best served cold.
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Adam Lucius
Updated at 7:18 p.m. ET
They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
MORE: Penrith fans divided over Bryce Cartwright's departure | The frightening statistic your NRL club needs to address before 2018
If that’s the case, then Penrith could soon be delivered a frozen sh*t pie – family size.
\
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\
\
\
\
The chances of Nathan Cleary staying at the Panthers beyond 2019 appear as likely as Gus Gould winning this year’s series of The Bachelor.
Nathan has watched on quietly over the past year as Te Maire Martin, Leilani Latu, Matt Moylan and now Bryce Cartwright departed the foot of the mountains for new starts elsewhere.
Four talented footballers – two of them prized local juniors – gone quicker than free beer.
At least two of those teammates left due to dramas unrelated to football, either in their personal lives or with those in charge at Penrith.
Phil Gould’s decision to punt Ivan Cleary as Penrith coach at the end of the 2015 season caused the coach’s family massive heartache and upheaval.
The reasons given by Gus – that Cleary was burnt out and in need of a break – only added to the angst and confusion.
Cleary felt neither burn-out or in need of a long holiday.
He and his family had invested heavily in the club and the local area and were in for the long haul.
Yet Gus said at the time: “It was the right decision for Ivan, and for the club.”
You could argue Gould was wrong on both counts.
Ivan was given plenty of opportunities to fire back at the time but politely declined every media request.
He’s been around rugby league long enough to know shooting off your mouth, especially if your target is the powerful Gould, won’t get you far and that another chance is never too far away.
But in a delicious irony, Cleary is now in a position to torpedo Penrith’s long-term future by luring son Nathan away to join him at Wests Tigers in 2020.
Nathan’s management team has shelved contract talks with the Panthers in a clear sign the half-back is seriously considering not extending his stay beyond next season.
Ivan and Nathan are extremely close and would love to be at the same club again sometime in the future.
Ivan won’t coerce Nathan into walking out on the Panthers to join the Tigers, but he may not need to.
Nathan saw first-hand the devastation Ivan’s sacking caused the family and won’t be swayed by any sense of loyalty to Penrith.
Want sauce with that pie?
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I agree. Gould had shot himself in the foot. Cleary will cone here I think.
T
tigerbalm
Guest
2020 seems so far away.
2 full seasons is a long , long time. If he was a chance of playing for us in '19 I could see the interest but speculating this far out seems a little pointless. If Wests bomb this season, have a rough start to 19 then his dad could very well no longer be at the club (if our recent history is any guide).
Not saying that I hope it wont happen, just will be very surprised if everything works out perfectly enabling that scenario…i think supporting this club has made me jaded.
2 full seasons is a long , long time. If he was a chance of playing for us in '19 I could see the interest but speculating this far out seems a little pointless. If Wests bomb this season, have a rough start to 19 then his dad could very well no longer be at the club (if our recent history is any guide).
Not saying that I hope it wont happen, just will be very surprised if everything works out perfectly enabling that scenario…i think supporting this club has made me jaded.
supercoach
Well-known member
We will have to show some real promise over the next 18 months to keep one Cleary and attract another. I am sure both will be offered very tempting offers to join a heavy weight club. Brooks might take his game to another level, but young Cleary's kicking game will always make him a better no7 than Brooks
JD Tiger
New member
If, a big if yes I know, but if we could land Cleary Jr for 2020, signing him in early November 2018, then Penrith could certainly be pushed to release him early and we get him for 2019 as well. It happens all the time, why not for us.
Gould would be filthy. Maybe we could offer them Brooksy?
Gould would be filthy. Maybe we could offer them Brooksy?
JD Tiger
New member
Would people see it as a conflict of interest if Cleary Snr lured Cleary Jr on a massive contract to WT?
After Cleary Snr has been signing no superstars, has no big name players on big money, then signs only one and it's his own son… Personally I think it would be good for the club, but am worried that people might turn on them both if it didn't go well. Saying that Cleary Snr looked out for family first above club.
After Cleary Snr has been signing no superstars, has no big name players on big money, then signs only one and it's his own son… Personally I think it would be good for the club, but am worried that people might turn on them both if it didn't go well. Saying that Cleary Snr looked out for family first above club.
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newtiger
Guest
The old adage " Don't tread on the toes today that are connected to the arse you might have to lick tomorrow"
earl
Well-known member
I reckon that this is all just media drivel at the moment. I do think that both Cleary's would have discussed it though.
It's just going to be a matter of seeing how both clubs are going and what money is on offer.
We also can't go crazy trying to get Nathan to the TIgers. Admittedly he is at least a billion classes above the 3 that have recently left us and he isn't as dumb as one Mr Suli. You still though need a quality team around him for him to be a success.
It's just going to be a matter of seeing how both clubs are going and what money is on offer.
We also can't go crazy trying to get Nathan to the TIgers. Admittedly he is at least a billion classes above the 3 that have recently left us and he isn't as dumb as one Mr Suli. You still though need a quality team around him for him to be a success.
@ said:
No I don't think so. Anything is going to be approved by someone other than him. It's not like we haven't paid decent money to players this year and N Cleary is worth big money.
@ said:
Cartwright to titans because of brennan, boyd to broncos because of bennett. No its the way its fone these daya. Money,premierships and mates/mentors are the options for players these days. Wel have money and a mentor for Nathan. Just not sure about a premiership for a few years.
hammertime
Well-known member
Doesn't Gould still have a lot of influence at the roosters? Pretty sure he and uncle nick are pretty chummy. If so, can't see Ivan jumping at the chance to go there.
Also, of they make the GF the next few years, very likely with their squad, Robinson won't be going anywhere.
Ivan and Pascoe running the show at the Tigers gives him far more job security than anywhere else.
Also, of they make the GF the next few years, very likely with their squad, Robinson won't be going anywhere.
Ivan and Pascoe running the show at the Tigers gives him far more job security than anywhere else.
N
newtiger
Guest
It would be funny if Gould gets rid of a few good players to ensure that he has enough cap space to sign NC and he still leaves the Panthers.
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