Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary securing a new sponsorship deal specifically with the Panthers for the 2025 NRL season. However, Cleary has been involved in several significant developments over the past year that highlight his prominence in the rugby league world.
**Contract Extension with Penrith Panthers**
In November 2024, Nathan Cleary agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Penrith Panthers, valued at $38.4 million. This extension ensures that Cleary will remain with the club until the end of the 2027 season, solidifying his role as a central figure in the team’s ongoing success. Cleary expressed his commitment to the Panthers, stating, “This club has been my home since I was a kid, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the team’s ongoing success.”
**Sponsorship and Endorsement Deals**
While there have been reports of Cleary signing substantial endorsement deals, such as a $96 million contract with Under Armour citeturn0search0 and a $150 million contract with ESPN citeturn0search2, these figures appear to be exaggerated and lack official confirmation from reputable sources. It’s important to approach such claims with caution, as they may not accurately reflect Cleary’s actual endorsement agreements.
State of Origin and Brand Partnerships
In December 2024, the New South Wales State of Origin team announced a five-year partnership with Adidas, replacing Puma as the official apparel and footwear partner. Nathan Cleary, already sponsored by Adidas, is expected to play a pivotal role in this collaboration. The partnership aims to enhance athlete performance and fan experience, with Cleary’s involvement underscoring his influence both on and off the field.
Speculations on Code Switching
There have been discussions about Cleary potentially switching codes to rugby union. Former Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan revealed that Cleary and other NRL stars were approached about making a code switch in May 2024. However, no formal conversations took place, and Cleary has remained committed to the Penrith Panthers and rugby league.
In summary, while Nathan Cleary has secured a significant contract extension with the Penrith Panthers and continues to be a key figure in major brand partnerships, there is no official information regarding a new sponsorship deal with the Panthers specifically for the 2025 NRL season.
