- Cleary has been previously linked to a shock defection
- Halfback is under contract with Panthers until 2027
Wallabies legend Tim Horan has dropped a bombshell after declaring NRL superstar Nathan Cleary is ‘quite keen to come to rugby.’
It isn’t the first time the Panthers halfback has been linked to a shock cross-code switch, and with his girlfriend, Matildas star Mary Fowler based in England, the 27-year-old may seek a bold new sporting challenge abroad.
Signing on with Rugby Australia is another option – and with the next World Cup on local shores in 2027, rugby fans are hopeful.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven, dual World Cup winner Horan said the move for Cleary could materialise.
‘There’s been some rumours the last two months that he’s quite keen,’ the decorated inside centre said.
‘I’ve heard it totally separate, he’s quite keen to come to rugby.’
Horan added that RA shouldn’t be raiding the NRL for talent – before adding that if a player of Cleary’s calibre was interested, ‘you’ve got to have a coffee.’
Cleary made his NRL debut in 2016, and has gone onto win four premierships with the Panthers.
Wallabies legend Tim Horan has dropped a bombshell after declaring NRL superstar Nathan Cleary is ‘quite keen to come to rugby’
Cleary’s current NRL contract with Penrith expires at the end of 2027 (pictured, playing for NSW in the Origin series opener)
Nathan Cleary and Matildas star Mary Fowler have been Australian sport’s power couple since 2023
He won a World Cup with the Kangaroos in 2022 – and has also chalked up 15 appearances for NSW at Origin level since 2018.
Cleary’s current NRL contract with Penrith expires at the end of 2027 – and he also previously stated he would be ‘open’ to new surroundings overseas.
‘I’m not against it,’ he said. ‘I have a pretty open mind to that kind of stuff.
‘Being able to experience different cultures is something I enjoy doing.’
Adding to the intrigue is Fowler recently confirming she has no desire to play in the A-League Women’s competition.
‘I’m not going to be playing football in Australia anytime soon, if ever,’ the Matildas star said.
‘I’m going to be in Europe, so if we do this (relationship) it’s going to have to be long distance.’
