Source :- THE AGE NEWS
The Cooper Cronk-style courage shown by Penrith champion Nathan Cleary to get on the field for Sunday’s preliminary final against the Knights should be the biggest story surrounding the Panthers No.7.
The fact that he will play with a “stress-related bone issue” in his kicking foot is remarkable. But the hottest rumour in the game is that Cleary has reached a handshake agreement with Penrith to stay in the NRL.
That message has been spread by clubs and agents. The truth is hard to establish. From what we have learned, there has been an informal discussion recently to establish what kind of money would be expected to secure him beyond 2027. A salary of $1.7 million a year seems to be a reasonable base.
It’s a guide, so that the Panthers know what they’re dealing with when it comes to planning their roster. But the talk of a handshake agreement appears to be off the mark.
Given his status as the game’s best player, you can be certain Cleary’s contract is not as simple as a number and a signature. And rightly so. To say the deal is done is wildly inaccurate. Any deal won’t happen for weeks.
What is not in doubt is that Cleary will play through severe pain in the Knights match and potentially a grand final.
It promises to be the most courageous of efforts, up there with Cronk’s 2018 performance for the Roosters in their decider against the Storm when he played with a broken shoulder blade.
Of course, Cleary’s teammate Isaah Yeo is also playing hurt on Sunday, with a torn pectoral.
Eels keen on keeping Ryles
Parramatta coach Jason Ryles is deep in negotiations about a contract extension beyond 2028.
Ryles has one of the toughest jobs in rugby league – ending the Eels’ four-decade wait for a premiership, the longest in the NRL. But the Eels have confidence in the coach.
Some in the media doubt Ryles will see out his four-year deal, but that contrasts with Parramatta’s thinking.
This column has had two reports of meetings between Eels chairman Matthew Beach and Ryles’ agent, George Mimis.
We sought comment about the negotiation and received nothing back.
Ryles was the hottest coaching prospect on the market when Parramatta snapped him up in 2024. And the club have not changed their opinion of his ability. In fact, it has only grown after seeing him up close.
It’s why they want to extend him. It would also take him out of the running to replace Craig Bellamy, who has indicated he will only do the Melbourne coaching job for one more year.
Ryles would be a natural fit for the gig at the Storm, having previously spent time as an assistant coach under Bellamy. However, he is still building the roster he wants at Parramatta. The likes of Spencer Leniu and potentially Bradman Best could follow 2027 Eels recruits Jarome Luai and Jayden Su’A.
The key to the Eels remains unlocking the club’s vast junior base and making sure they have a steady flow of talent coming into their top 30.
Brown the catalyst for Ponga
It’s the $14 million gift that sparked a shift in the mindset of Kalyn Ponga and turned him into a Knight for life. And it had nothing to do with his own rich contract.
The version of Ponga we have seen this season – the leadership, the emotional investment in the team’s fortunes – is the result of many factors. But one stands out, according to the man himself.
“What really turned it for me was Dyl Brown coming to the club,” Ponga said of the arrival this season of Brown on a whopping 10-year, $14m deal.
“Playing with quality players makes you excited to be at the club, and we have quality players, but Dyl was the turning point. The turnaround of the club was what made it feel like I should be here.”
Ponga also made an interesting observation about why things are on the up in Newcastle, a year after they finished rock bottom.
“Twelve months ago we were on Mad Monday … the environment wasn’t as happy or as inspiring as it is right now,” Ponga said.
That should be worn as a badge of honour for Knights coach Justin Holbrook but could be seized on by those still wanting to kick former coach Adam O’Brien.
In fairness to O’Brien he did everything to inspire the team, but it didn’t work. Ponga has also addressed the notion of him “not caring” about his football in the past.
“I’m getting older … I understand the value my energy has for my team,” he said.
“That’s on my mind for the week. The preparation. I’m happy with my footy and that’s due to the environment I’m in. That is bringing the best out of everyone. That’s part of the reason I signed on and stayed for an extra few years.
“I’m enjoying myself and I’m glad it comes across. I never cared when people questioned whether I cared or not about the team. I looked at my career and what I wanted to achieve and winning a grand final with Newcastle would be an achievement as big as I could dream of.”
Mitchell’s no Bear necessity
Mal Meninga appears to be on a different page to others at the Perth Bears when it comes to South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell.
He was heavily quoted in a News Corp story linking the Bears to Mitchell, who is off contract at the end of 2027 and will go on the open market on November 1. It’s great in theory, but signing Mitchell would be at odds with the thinking of certain sections of the club.
We have been told Perth’s recruitment team loosely discussed the Mitchell signing before Meninga’s comments.
At the very least, Meninga went rogue in his comments and will need to convince the rest of the club that Mitchell – who is not a focus within the wider Bears organisation – is a player they need. It’s known that the NRL, which owns the Bears, sees enormous benefit in Mitchell going to Perth. He would give the club a big presence.
To our knowledge, the Bears will have about $1 million to sign four players to complete their 2027 roster. Given the long-term deals already in place with players, it may be a similar story in 2028.
If they signed a couple of cheap players, they could have $600,000 or so to sign Mitchell, plus an additional $200,000 in third parties under a special NRL agreement. That’s about half the $1.7 million Mitchell would reportedly command in Perth.
It was also interesting to read Meninga talking up his regard for Mitchell. Those close to the 29-year-old reminded us of the situation when there was an attempt by Souths in 2024 to have international games included in a suspension incurred by Mitchell. But Meninga, then the coach of the Kangaroos, said Mitchell would not have been picked. “He’s not in our plans this year, even if he is [available],” Meninga said at the time.
“I’m not saying Latrell isn’t a great player, but he hasn’t played enough footy this year to be considered. I’m more concerned about his health and injury … heading into next year.”
He had the chance to help Mitchell but didn’t. That has not been forgotten.
V’landys rules to stay
NRL boss Peter V’landys has put those yearning for a return of old-school rugby league on notice.
The most debated topic of his reign has been the six-again rule and the way it has transformed the sport. He isn’t backing down.
“I won’t change from the view that we are in entertainment,” he said. “[Players’] contracts would be $100,000 instead of $2 million if we didn’t adapt.”
Dearden staying put
The name of Cowboys half Tom Dearden has bobbed up at clubs again over the last week, prompting his agent Sam Ayoub to make a statement to this column.
“I can’t say it strongly enough – Tom Dearden is going nowhere,” Ayoub said.
“He has come out publicly and said as much, and he’s telling the truth.
“I find it very disturbing when people are linking him to the South Sydney club. I have not talked to Souths or any club about Tom. He will be playing with the Cowboys.”
This columnist spoke with Dearden at length at the NRL finals launch some weeks ago, where he said clearly that he was committed to the Cowboys.
The reason that the link is continually made to Sydney clubs is that his partner, who is pregnant, is still in Sydney. But according to the Cowboys and Ayoub, she will be moving to Townsville soon.
While sick of the speculation, Dearden understands why the rumours arose. He is not thrilled about it. As we have previously outlined, there is no doubt that at the start of this season he was looking at a release.
Tigers Mann up
We’ve banged on about the importance of a cultural shift at the Tigers.
Now it appears they’ve taken another step towards that. Provided Bulldogs utility Kurt Mann passes a medical, he will be a Tiger next year.
Like Raiders signing Jayden Brailey, he will give the club experience and grit it badly needs.
Haas’ Bunnies dream going South
Payne Haas would be entitled to wonder what he is walking into at South Sydney, with one of the key influences in his decision to join the Bunnies seemingly on the outer with the club.
Latrell Mitchell’s role in luring Haas from the Broncos should not be underestimated.
The pair are good mates, having cemented their friendship during their time in NSW Origin camp.
Along with master coach Wayne Bennett, Mitchell was a major attraction for Haas.
Haas isn’t about to try and get out of the deal, but if Mitchell is isolated, it would have a big impact on their marquee recruit.
If you listen to the rumour mill, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – a Souths fanatic – and Mitchell were both key figures in the Haas move. This has been explored by the media, and the Rabbitohs have played down the PM’s role.
The Rabbitohs’ move to allow Mitchell to go to the open market is a genuine flex by the club. It’s a reminder to Mitchell and anyone else that no player is bigger than the club.
Souths are prepared to pay around $850,000 a year for Mitchell. Or at least that’s what they want to pay him in an ideal world. That would be a considerable pay cut and also a hit to Mitchell’s standing in the game.
Mitchell is going to need to work out if his next deal is about money or a legacy.
Taylor well paid
Plenty was made about the “sacking” of Jason Taylor from the Bulldogs.
The truth of the matter is that Taylor was told 12 months ago he would not be required in 2027 and he was very well remunerated as the NSW Cup coach this season.
Without revealing the exact figures, it is fair to say no other coach in his position would’ve been as well looked after. He was still earning the same wage he received as an assistant coach in the NRL.
Former Bulldogs forward Josh Jackson is a rising star in the coaching ranks and will also have relationships with the players who are progressing through the grades.
Taylor did a good job at his time at the Bulldogs and he has had a considerable runway to try and find a job for next season. Those trying to create drama for the Bulldogs are not overly interested in the way Taylor was well treated by the club from the start of his employment to the end.
Discord over reporter’s ban
Journalist Steve Mascord is about as credible as it gets in the rugby league media world. His banning by the London Broncos from attending a Super League semi-final this weekend because of a story is outrageous.
Mascord reported that the cashed-up Broncos owed a former employee money.
The story quoted the club’s former media manager Jake Watson saying he was owed £10,000 ($18,850) for two months’ work last year.
Broncos chief operating officer Joe Cramp texted Mascord saying: “Hi mate, Just wanted to let you know we won’t be able to accommodate you at the game this weekend. Just giving you the heads up directly now. Cheers.”
Mascord reported the facts. He sought both sides of the story, as he does, and published.
A late intervention on Saturday from Broncos part-owner Darren Lockyer will enable Mascord to attend the match.
Burton to look at his options
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has been battling a serious back issue but will be meeting with Matt Burton’s agent David Riolo this week.
We revealed Burton has been listed as available to discuss his future with rivals as of November 1. This is no surprise to the Dogs, who have made it clear to Burton they see him as a centre and that his next salary will have to reflect that.
Burton loves the Bulldogs but will see what other clubs think he is worth. His versatility makes him an option as a centre or five-eighth on the open market.
Perth have been long linked to him but Mal Meninga has gone all-in on Latrell Mitchell.
Walker off?
It’s hard to see how Souths function without Cody Walker next season. But he has been offered to rival teams. It comes after Souths made him an offer of about $350,000 for next year.
It’s probably $100,000 light. He would be worth more to other teams.
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