It is a good thing Luke Brooks signed a long-term deal with Wests Tigers because Nathan Cleary says he was never coming to the club – and his dad, Ivan, knew it.

Several Tigers officials were convinced the Penrith and NSW halfback would join his famous father at the joint venture. But Nathan has revealed he never spoke to the Tigers and there was no way he was going to leave his good mates and the state-of-the-art facilities at the foot of the mountains.

Cleary's frank admission will no doubt come as a surprise to long-suffering Tigers supporters, who are only now getting over Ivan's exit with two years to run on his deal.

The man: Retaining Nathan Cleary was a key plank in Penrith's long-term plans. Credit:AAP

Despite Ivan publicly expressing his desire to coach his son at the Tigers, Nathan said his dad always knew he would stay at Penrith. Cleary's admissions at the time led to speculation No.7 Brooks would be forced to look elsewhere.