The Warriors are being framed as possible frontrunners in any future chase for Nathan Cleary, with one key reason being the financial flexibility created by Luke Metcalf’s expected departure. According to the opinion piece, that move is set to free up more than $900,000, giving the club room to think bigger if Cleary ever became available.
The discussion centres on whether the Warriors could position themselves better than rival clubs in a race for the Penrith Panthers star. With significant money potentially opening up, the club would at least have the sort of cap space needed to enter conversations around one of the NRL’s biggest names.
At the same time, the planned PNG team entering the NRL in 2028 shapes the wider picture. The new franchise is expected to be an obvious talking point because of the prospect of linking Cleary again with former Panthers halves partner Jarome Luai, who has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $4.3 million tax-free deal.
That leaves any future Nathan Cleary move as a contest likely to involve both financial muscle and strong football connections. For now, the opinion argues the Warriors could be especially well placed, with roster changes potentially giving them a rare opportunity to make a serious play if the star halfback’s future ever comes into focus.
