Nathan Cleary enters free agency as Roosters emerge as potential option

Nathan Cleary has officially become a free agent. While he is expected to remain with the Penrith Panthers, the Sydney Roosters have emerged as a potential destination for the halfback.

The Roosters' interest follows the unexpected departure of Sam Walker, who is also a free agent after failing to reach a contract extension agreement with the club. Walker has been linked to several teams, including the Bulldogs and the Cowboys, though a potential swap involving Tom Dearden is considered complicated.

In a related development, a meeting is scheduled between Roosters chairman Nick Politis and Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould, amid discussions regarding player movements.