BRAKING NEWS: In a move that has sent shockwaves through the National Rugby League (NRL), Penrith Panthers superstar co-captains Nathan Cleary has left fans, teammates, and even rival Team speechless after revealing a remarkably selfless clause he insisted on including in his brand-new contract with…….. view more
According to club insiders—who reportedly needed “three coffees and a lie-down” after reading the paperwork—the clause states that Cleary will donate a portion of his personal off-field sponsorship earnings each season to a rotating list of junior rugby league clubs, with the funds earmarked for equipment, coaching development, and supporting kids whose families struggle to afford fees.
But that’s not all.
Sources say Cleary also added an unusual line requiring him to visit at least one grassroots club every month, regardless of weather, media commitments, or whether his hamstrings “feel a bit tight that day.”
Panthers CEO (fictionally) described the clause as “the sort of thing you expect from a Disney movie protagonist, not your star halfback negotiating millions.”
Teammates were equally stunned. One reportedly said, “I thought he was joking. I told him to blink twice if he was being held hostage. He didn’t blink.”
Rival teams have allegedly begun scrambling to check whether their own players contain anything “dangerously wholesome” in their contracts.
Even fans were caught off guard. Social media exploded overnight, with one supporter writing:
“I came here to be angry at contract negotiations and now I’m crying into my Panthers merch.”
Whether this bold, heartwarming move will inspire a new league-wide trend remains to be seen, but for now, Cleary’s decision has cemented him as not only one of the NRL’s greatest playmakers—but possibly its most unexpectedly charitable negotiator.
