just in: nathan cleary signs a $100 million contract with the bankstown bulldogs in a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community. the star halfback, who has been synonymous with the penrith panthers’ dominance in recent seasons, opted for a change of scenery, citing new challenges and personal growth as key motivations.
the contract, spanning five years, is the richest in nrl history and underscores the bulldogs’ aggressive pursuit of premiership success. the club, which has struggled to recapture its glory days, views cleary as the centerpiece of their revival strategy. bulldogs’ ceo andrew hill described the signing as “monumental,” emphasizing that cleary’s leadership, playmaking ability, and winning mentality would transform the team’s fortunes.
“this is a game-changer for us,” hill said. “nathan is a proven winner, and his arrival signals our intent to bring the bulldogs back to the top. we’re thrilled to have him on board.”
cleary, who has been a cornerstone for the panthers since his debut in 2016, expressed mixed emotions about the decision. while acknowledging the deep bond he shares with penrith, the 26-year-old said the time was right for a new chapter.
“leaving penrith was the hardest decision of my career,” cleary admitted. “it’s a place that’s given me so much, and i’ll always be grateful. but the bulldogs presented an opportunity that felt right for me at this stage of my journey. i’m excited to embrace the challenge and help this team achieve its potential.”
the signing has drawn mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. while bulldogs supporters have welcomed the move as a bold statement of intent, panthers fans have expressed heartbreak and disbelief over losing their talismanic leader. cleary’s departure also raises questions about penrith’s ability to maintain their dominance without their star playmaker.
panthers coach ivan cleary, who is also nathan’s father, acknowledged the emotional impact of the decision. “of course, it’s tough. as a coach and a dad, i’ve seen nathan grow into the player he is today. but ultimately, this is his decision, and we respect that. we wish him all the best in this new chapter.”
the bulldogs’ recruitment strategy has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, but landing cleary is seen as a masterstroke. alongside other key signings, the club is building a roster that could challenge for the title in the coming seasons. analysts believe cleary’s presence will not only elevate the team’s on-field performance but also attract other high-caliber players.
financially, the deal is groundbreaking. the $100 million contract includes lucrative sponsorships and performance incentives, making cleary one of the highest-paid athletes in australian sports. while some critics have questioned the financial risk, bulldogs officials are confident that cleary’s value extends beyond the field.
as the dust settles on this blockbuster signing, all eyes will be on cleary and the bulldogs when the 2025 nrl season kicks off. whether this move brings a premiership to bankstown or adds pressure to an already intense spotlight, one thing is certain: the nrl landscape has been irreversibly altered.
