Nathan Cleary, widely regarded as the top player in rugby league, has again sparked speculation about a potential transition to rugby union. The four-time premiership winner showcased his skills for the NSW Blues in the recent State of Origin opener, where he helped lead his team to an 18-6 win. Over the last five years, Cleary has excelled in rugby league, achieving remarkable success that few playmakers have matched. Yet, the allure of challenging himself in a different sport may be tempting him.
Last year, Hamish McLennan, then head of Rugby Australia, encouraged officials to pursue Cleary, but no significant progress has been made in convincing him to switch codes. Recently, during an episode of Stan Sports’ Rugby Heaven, former Wallabies great Tim Horan suggested that Cleary could be considering such a leap. He mentioned that there have been whispers about Cleary’s interest in rugby, indicating a possibility that fans may not have to wait too long to see it materialise.
The prospect of Cleary joining rugby union is particularly enticing with the Rugby World Cup approaching in two years. Such a skilled player could undoubtedly provide a significant boost for the Wallabies, raising the stakes for Australian rugby. Horan, however, expressed his reservations regarding this move, suggesting that while it may not be the best direction for Australian rugby—given the emerging talents ready to step up—any genuine interest from Cleary warrants a serious discussion.
In comparison, Joseph Suaalii moved to rugby union last year under a lucrative contract reportedly worth $1.6 million per season. One can speculate that if Cleary were to make a similar switch, his value could surpass that. Despite the buzz around his potential move, the 27-year-old has not indicated a public desire to leave his current club, the Penrith Panthers.
In summary, while Nathan Cleary’s future in rugby league remains uncertain, the intrigue surrounding his potential move to rugby union continues to grow. For both fans and rugby officials, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Cleary decides to test himself in a new sporting arena.