Panthers coach Ivan Cleary admits the difficulty in competing with the Chiefs in free agency in the wake of Brian To’o’s decision to sign with PNG.
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On Monday, the Chiefs announced that To’o had signed a three-year deal with the expansion club from 2028 to join former teammate and close friend Jarome Luai.
Cleary faced the media on Wednesday and revealed the reasons behind the club’s decision to give To’o a seven day window to negotiate with PNG.
To’o was one of several Penrith superstars off contract at the end of next season, meaning rival teams can negotiate with them from November 1.
Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Blaize Talagi, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali’i and Paul Alamoti remain without a deal beyond 2027.
”We obviously had enough evidence that (To’o leaving) was a possibility, so we just wanted to get it done,” Cleary said.
“Obviously there’s a lot of guys off contract this year and the sooner we can sort some of those out before the end of the season the better and I guess that was one of those instances.
”It’s more just to you know just to get to the endpoint quicker.”
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Cleary said the Panthers were desperate for the fan-favourite To’o to stay put, but said they simply weren’t able to compete with the Chiefs’ ability to offer tax-free contracts and potential tax-free third party deals.
“Of course we wanted him to stay. But I think everyone knows with the Chiefs, it’s hard to match that stuff.
“It’s not your average club, but if players want to go there, then you can’t compete with them.
We’d like to think we run a pretty good program here and the boys all know that, but look, the evidence is there. There’s been enough players that have had to leave or have left for bigger and better things.
“That’s the tax you have to pay for success, so we have to pay it.
“We’re in a parity league and if you have enough success, then everyone’s values go up and I think it’s fair for any player if they want to cash in on that when the opportunity comes.”
Wayne Bennett has been one of the more vocal critics against the tax breaks the Cheifs have received.
The legendary coach believes it’s unfair that PNG have been given this advantage.
Cleary was asked about Bennett’s comments and he didn’t exactly disagree.
“The first coach I had said to me that rugby league isn’t fair, and I think he was right. I’ve worked that out along the way,” Cleary said.
“Whether it’s fair or not, that’s what the game’s gone with.
“I can understand it. If you’re going to bring new clubs in you’ve got to make sure they work.
“Obviously the PNG one is bigger than rugby league, so they got to make it work.”