Reports indicate that the Penrith Panthers have begun negotiations with star halfback Nathan Cleary on a possible five-year contract extension worth a reported $3,000,000.

That may sound like ridiculous money for a 19-year-old, but given the fact that Mitch Moses supposedly commanded $800,000 a season (a figure I still can’t fathom nor believe) the Cleary deal is an absolute bargain.

Make no mistake, this kid the game’s best young half. He has it all. The running game, the speed, the ball-playing skills, and one hell of a boot. Throw in the fact he can slot goals from anywhere and suddenly he becomes a huge weapon in any side.

A recent poll I ran had a somewhat surprising result, with 58% of the 554 voters saying they would sign Cleary over Thurston, such is the talent the 19-year-old Panther has shown.

$600,000 a year for half a decade is a massive gamble for any young player given the risks, but in terms of risk vs reward, the Panthers are best to take Cleary off the open market.

Yes, one major injury or a loss of focus, or the simple inability to live up to expectation could see a very expensive mistake made here, but it’s really worth it, given they will build their side around Cleary for the next five years.

It only takes one huge money offer from a rival side to divert Cleary’s attention from leading his side. Any young player in the world, in any sport, would be distracted by a multi-million dollar deal. It’s natural.

For Penrith to not have to worry about that for five years, that’s worth all the money in the world.

Just look at the reports that have come out in the past few days following Wayne Bennett’s comments around the possibility of bringing Ashley Taylor back to the Broncos.

Taylor, who is almost certainly the second best young half, after Cleary, was allowed to leave Brisbane due to the Ben Hunt/Anthony Milford combo that was set to lead the Broncos for the next decade. With Ben Hunt moving south to the Dragons, Ash Taylor’s name has been brought up once again at Red Hill.

Not only are the Broncos able to offer a massive opportunity in regards to third-party deals, but they can also offer the mentorship of the super successful Wayne Bennett.

Simply put, the Titans are going to have to step up and be willing to pay up to stop their star strike weapon from looking north.

Given the horror run of results the side has produced this season, despite a side very capable of playing finals footy, they really need to tie down their best young player no matter what the cost.

There are rumours that he can command up to a million dollars a season. That sounds ludicrous considering his age and relative inexperience. He’s certainly worth around the same mark as Cleary in terms of cash value, but reported $400,000 a season more?

In terms of pure monetary value, that deal beggars belief, but if it’s going to take $800,000 or more a season to tie Ash Taylor down long-term, then it has to be paid.

Given the expected increase in salary cap, combined with the pain the Titans will feel should their star man head back to Brisbane, the deal needs to be signed, and now.

There certainly aren’t any ready-made superstar halves on the open market that are worth anywhere near as much as young Taylor, so the Titans really have no choice.

Wayne Bennett has publicly mentioned Taylor’s name; the Broncos are coming.

The Titans best bet is to ensure they don’t even get a chance to speak to Taylor, who should be out celebrating a massive, long-term, well-earned contract.

Cleary vs Taylor, get used to that clash. It’s one we’re going to hear plenty about over the next ten years.