Ivan Cleary's emphatic call on leaving Panthers amid $13 million development with Nathan

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has emphatically shut down the possibility of coaching against his son Nathan Cleary after reports the duo could be set to sign for the Panthers in a monster $13 million deal. Reports have linked Cleary as a possible target for expansion NRL clubs with the master coach proving his worth at the Panthers in recent years.

Cleary has guided the Panthers to three-straight premierships and helped 'remodel' their pathways system to become arguably the best in the business. Naturally, Cleary's talents are the envy of other NRL clubs.

But the coach was quick to shut down any speculation over his short-term future having dismissed links with any other expansion club. “I love the Panthers, I have no thoughts about going anywhere else,” Ivan said on Thursday.

“I’m still here for three years, that’s a long time, I am not thinking about the future too much. I love being part of the community, I love the responsibility we have to have an influence on the community, I love the boys and the staff. It’s just a great place to be.”

Cleary even went as far to suggest he feels the Panthers are in a mini-remodel phase now after losing a host of premiership stars to other clubs in recent year. “I’ve been around the block a bit, got some experience building teams,” he said.

"But I’m happy doing what I am doing. We feel like we are remodelling our team here each year too as we keep losing players. It’s fun what I am doing here and I’m loving every minute of it.”

While his NRL future after three years is uncertain, Cleary was emphatic when he slapped down the possibility of coaching against his son. "No," he responded when asked about possibility.

Cleary's future has become a talking point after reports suggested the Panthers are set to begin negotiations to keep Ivan and Nathan Cleary at the club for life - in what could be a $13 million package deal for the father-son duo. Both Nathan and Ivan have signed for the club until the end of 2027. However, according to the Daily Telegraph the club is looking to lock them down even longer amid the threat from expansion teams.

According to the report, the Panthers are keen to extend the contracts for both of them for another five years until 2032. The figures being thrown around indicate Nathan could be on $1.5 million per season, and father Ivan a staggering $1.2 million.

Nathan Cleary nearing NRL return for Panthers

Nathan Cleary hasn't played footy since round 10 having re-injured his hamstring against the Bulldogs. The halfback was ruled out of the State of Origin series - he missed Game 2 and 3 last year - for the Blues for a second straight year. And it emerged Cleary was set to return in round 20 after the bye round.

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And while it appears Nathan is on track for a round 20 return the Panthers coach wasn't going to confirm the comeback until closer to the date. "It’s two weeks away but it’s not locked in, that was the long term plan, but at this stage he’s tracking well," he said.

“Just watching him and the way we have gone about the rehab, I feel pretty god about it. I think he’ll be really hungry.”