Massive Panthers development on eve of final as club closes in on superstar duo

The Panthers are reportedly closing in on a huge dual boost with co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary expected to remain with the club.

In news that will delight Penrith fans, Yeo and the club have already agreed to terms on a multi-year deal according to CODE Sports.

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A long-term extension for Yeo is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition, the club believe Cleary will resist hitting free agency on November 1 and sign a rich new deal with the Panthers before then.

However, a deal won’t be done for several weeks and according to the SMH, Cleary‘s next contract could be as much as $1.7 million a year.

It’s a massive development.

It was long thought Cleary would test his value on the open market.

The PNG Chiefs were preparing a gargantuan tax-free offer for the Penrith half if he decided to hit November 1, but all signs point to Cleary staying put at the foot of the mountains.

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Cleary would have garnered interest from several clubs, not just PNG, but it doesn’t appear those clubs will get the chance to entice the four-time premiership winner.

Penrith have locked up several stars in the last few months including Paul Alamoti and Mitch Kenny, both of which were under contract until the end of next season before signing extensions.

Other than Yeo and Cleary, who are yet to officially put pen to paper, Isaiah Papali’i, Blaize Talagi and Liam Martin are other Panthers who remain off contract beyond next season.

Brian To’o will leave the club after signing with the Chiefs while Martin has also been linked to a move to PNG.