In the world of rugby league, the future of Nathan Cleary has become a hot topic, with speculation swirling around his potential departure from the NRL. Andrew Johns, a renowned figure in the sport, has offered his insights, predicting that Cleary's next big move will be overseas, a decision likely influenced by his desire to 'own' a State of Origin series.
The Cleary Conundrum
Cleary, a four-time Panthers premiership winner, finds himself at a crossroads. His contract with Penrith expires at the end of next year, and with his father, Ivan, announcing his departure as coach after the 2027 season, the future of the superstar halfback is uncertain. Many are predicting that Cleary will follow his father out of the club, but Johns believes otherwise.
A One-Club Man?
"Nathan will stay (at Penrith). I can only see him being a one-club man," Johns stated. This sentiment is intriguing, especially considering the lure of tax-free salaries in Papua New Guinea, where his former teammate Jarome Luai has already signed for the expansion team. However, Johns hints at a move to England, where Cleary's partner plays football, suggesting a potential shift to rugby union or the Super League.
Origin Dominance
The key to Cleary's future, according to Johns, lies in his performance in the State of Origin series. Cleary has been the dominant halfback in the NRL for years, but his representative level performances have been under scrutiny. With a record of eight wins and nine losses in 17 Origin games, Cleary has yet to truly 'own' a series. The Blues have even won series without him, in 2019 and 2024.
A Legacy to Uphold
Comparisons to Andrew Johns, a legend of the game, have followed Cleary throughout his career. While Johns dominated the Origin arena, Cleary has not. This raises the question: Can Cleary live up to the legacy of his predecessor? If he can lead the Blues to a series victory, it might just be the catalyst for his next big move.
The Panthers' Future
The impending departure of Ivan Cleary as coach also casts a shadow over the Panthers' future. Peter Wallace, the incoming coach, faces a challenging task. With several premiership players, including Cleary, off contract next year, Wallace may need to rebuild the team from scratch. The potential departures of key players like Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, and Liam Martin could significantly alter the Panthers' landscape.
A New Era
As the Panthers sit atop the NRL ladder heading into Magic Round, the focus remains on the present. But the future is uncertain, and the upcoming off-season will be pivotal in shaping the direction of the club and the careers of its star players.
In my opinion, the next few months will be crucial for Nathan Cleary. Will he stay and become a Penrith legend, or will he seek new challenges abroad? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the rugby league world is watching with bated breath.
