Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has called on the NRL to introduce a compensation system for clubs that invest heavily in junior development, only to see their rising stars signed by rival teams. The comments come in the wake of Jett Cleary’s move to the Warriors, reigniting concerns about the sustainability of current recruitment practices across the league.
Cleary argued that clubs like Penrith, which pour resources into nurturing young talent, should be protected or rewarded when other teams benefit from that groundwork. “We’re doing everything right by developing players the right way. It’s frustrating to lose them with no return,” Cleary said.
The Panthers have become a powerhouse in junior development over the past decade, producing several current NRL stars. However, increased poaching from cashed-up rivals has left the club fighting to retain talent and remain competitive.
Cleary’s comments have sparked renewed debate about equity in the NRL and whether the league should implement mechanisms—such as transfer fees or draft-style compensation—to support clubs losing homegrown talent.
