The captain of the Penrith Panthers remains one of the highest-paid players in the National Rugby League. His contract was structured in a way that changes year-to-year for salary cap management purposes, which can sometimes appear like a “reduction” in later seasons. However, this is part of long-term financial planning by the club — not a sudden punishment or forced pay cut.
Penrith, like many NRL clubs, constantly adjusts its salary cap strategy to retain key players while staying compliant with league rules. Any fluctuation in Cleary’s reported annual earnings would be tied to contract structuring or renegotiation, not controversy.
At this stage, there is no verified “shock” development involving a salary slash linked to wrongdoing.
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