CONFIRMED: Nathan Cleary Signs Multi-Year Deal With The Panthers

After weeks of speculation, Penrith has announced that star playmaker Nathan Cleary will stay on until at least the end of the 2024 season.

The 20-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract with the Panthers, saying that it was an "easy decision" to make.

"I'm excited to re-sign with the Panthers and commit the next six years of my career to the club," Cleary said.

"There was always going to be speculation but in the end it was an easy decision for me to make.

"This club and this community mean a lot to me. Panthers gave me the opportunity to debut as an 18-year-old and I will always hold that close to my heart.

"I've grown up with this team and I couldn't ask for a better group of players and coaches to work with moving forward.

"I want to become a leader here at the Panthers and I'm determined to help deliver a premiership to Penrith."

Cleary has played at the foot of the mountains since 2011, when he joined the club's Halfback Academy at 14 years old.

He made his NRL debut in 2016 and finished his first season as the Penrith's leading pointscorer, although general manager Phil Gould said today that Cleary's best football "is still well in front of him".

"Today is a very special day in our club's history," Gould said. "Everyone at Panthers is delighted to know Nathan Cleary has committed to this club until at least the end of the 2024 season.

"Nathan is an outstanding young man and I have no doubt he will be a future captain of this club... We believe he will be the face of rugby league in this region for many years to come."