Billy Slater reveals the ‘massive draw’ that could bring PNG its golden opportunity.

NRL icon Billy Slater has expressed that the Papua New Guinea Chiefs could present an exceptionally appealing opportunity for Nathan Cleary, potentially allowing him to earn an additional $2 million each season.

This attractive proposition stems from the fact that player salaries in PNG are exempt from tax. Therefore, if Cleary were to earn $2.5 million annually without tax, it would be tantamount to a $4.5 million salary back in Australia.

The Penrith superstar is signed with the Panthers until the conclusion of the 2027 season, while the Chiefs are slated to join the NRL in 2028.

Coach Willie Peters from PNG has indicated that his team will look to attract some of the finest players in the sport, with financial incentives playing a significant role.

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Slater is of the view that the four-time premiership-winning Panther will struggle to resist what could be an extraordinary offer.

“He’s holding off until November to explore his options and might well remain a Panther beyond his current contract, but there will be some fantastic prospects, particularly the PNG opportunity,” Slater remarked on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

“The PNG deal means tax-free earnings. By the time the Chiefs make their entry into the competition, it’s likely the salary cap will rise from $13 million to $15 million.

“If you’re considering a premium player like Nathan Cleary, he could command 15 per cent of the salary cap, equating to around $2.25 million.

“Taking that as tax-free income translates to approximately $4.5 million elsewhere.

“This presents a huge entice for Nathan at that phase of his career if he chooses to help establish a new franchise. We know the calibre of player he is. He won’t be going there solely for the financial gain; he’ll aim to foster success for both the country and that new team.

“However, I think the Chiefs will be a particularly tempting option for him if he decides to make the move.”

However, Andrew Johns is convinced that Cleary won’t simply follow the money in this scenario.

The Newcastle legend contends that if Cleary were to make the move to the PNG team, it would be driven by a higher purpose, rather than for financial gain alone.

“If he were to sit down and evaluate the reasons for wanting to join a club, I’m certain that monetary considerations would be near the bottom of his list,” Johns stated.

“Nathan isn’t motivated by money; he plays because he has a passion for the game and holds it in high regard. He wouldn’t transition to PNG merely for financial reasons; while the financial factors are significant, his goal would be to take them to new heights. That’s what truly motivates him.”