Cleary will re-sign with Penrith, says Gould

NRL star Nathan Cleary is expected to turn his back on potential rival offers to re-sign with Penrith, sooner rather than later.

Panthers supremo Phil Gould said the 20-year-old halfback intended to ink a new deal in the near future to remain at the club.

“It’ll get done shortly,” he told Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night.

Off contract at the end of next season, Cleary has previously said he would push talks on a new deal back to November 1 when opposition clubs are allowed to come to the negotiating table.

The NSW State of Origin series winner has been open about his long-term ambition to one day play under his father, Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary.

The Panthers’ season, sidetracked by the sacking of coach Anthony Griffin just four weeks out from the NRL Finals, came to an end with a one-point loss to Cronulla on Friday.

Cleary could have levelled the match with a late field goal but his attempt sailed wide.

Gould hasn’t spoken to Cleary to discuss terms since the semi-final defeat to the Sharks.

“I haven’t found him for a couple of days,” he said.