just in: nathan cleary joins newcastle knights as marquee signing for 2025 season
in a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, the newcastle knights have secured the services of nathan cleary, one of the nrl’s most celebrated halfbacks. the penrith panthers superstar, who has been a cornerstone of their recent dominance, will join the knights as their marquee signing for the 2025 season.
cleary, who has been instrumental in leading the panthers to multiple premierships, is regarded as one of the best playmakers in the game. his pinpoint kicking, game management, and leadership qualities have made him a standout player and a fan favorite. the move to the knights marks a new chapter in his career and signals the club’s intent to become a genuine premiership contender.
a strategic coup for the knights
under the leadership of head coach adam o’brien, the knights have been steadily rebuilding their squad with a focus on youth and experience. cleary’s signing represents a major statement of intent from the club, which has been eager to re-establish itself as a powerhouse in the nrl. his arrival is expected to elevate the team’s attacking prowess and provide invaluable mentorship to younger players.
“securing nathan cleary is a monumental achievement for our club,” said knights’ ceo phil gardner. “he is a proven winner and a world-class talent. his experience and leadership will be invaluable as we aim to bring long-awaited success back to newcastle.”
cleary’s perspective
speaking about the move, cleary expressed his excitement about the new challenge. “newcastle is a proud club with an incredible fanbase. the opportunity to be part of their journey and help bring success to this team is something i couldn’t pass up,” he said. “i’m grateful for everything the panthers have given me, but i feel the time is right for a new chapter.”
the panthers’ reaction
penrith panthers’ management and fans are understandably saddened by the departure of their talisman. having spent his entire nrl career with the panthers, cleary has been synonymous with the club’s golden era. head coach ivan cleary, who is also nathan’s father, acknowledged the emotional toll of the decision but supported his son’s choice.
“while we’re sad to see nathan leave, we’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved here. he’ll always be part of the panthers’ family,” ivan cleary said.
what this means for the knights
cleary’s arrival is expected to reshape the knights’ fortunes. his partnership with kalyn ponga, the team’s dynamic fullback, promises to be one of the most exciting combinations in the league. fans are already buzzing with anticipation, with many predicting that cleary could be the final piece of the puzzle to bring a premiership back to newcastle for the first time since 2001.
looking ahead
as the rugby league world processes this blockbuster move, one thing is clear: the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. for the knights, the signing of nathan cleary is not just a recruitment coup but a signal of their ambition to reclaim their place among the nrl’s elite.
