New South Wales halfback Nathan Cleary has re-signed with the Penrith Panthers until the end of 2024 ending speculation the 20-year-old could be on his way to Wests Tigers to play under father Ivan.

Cleary said his main goal was to lead the Western Sydney powerhouse to their first premiership since 2003.

“I’m excited to re-sign with the Panthers and commit the next six years of my career to the club,” Cleary said.

“There was always going to be speculation but in the end it was an easy decision for me to make.

“This club and this community mean a lot to me. Panthers gave me the opportunity to debut as an 18-year-old and I will always hold that close to my heart.

🚨 MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨@_nathancleary has some special news to share with you.#pantherpride 🐾 pic.twitter.com/vmc5uptOig

— Penrith Panthers 🏆🏆🏆 (@PenrithPanthers) September 24, 2018

Everyone at Panthers is delighted to know Nathan Cleary has committed to playing with the club until at least the end of the 2024 playing season. Apart from his obvious football playing abilities, Nathan is very popular with all our staff and his team mates. Great for Panthers.

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) September 24, 2018

“I’ve grown up with this team and I couldn’t ask for a better group of players and coaches to work with moving forward.

“I want to become a leader here at the Panthers and I’m determined to help deliver a premiership to Penrith.”

Attention will now turn to his dad who is yet to sign a long term deal at Wests Tigers.