- Nathan Cleary has an ‘open mind’ about his future
- Adamant he still has goals to achieve in rugby league
- Will be a key figure for NSW Blues in Origin game II
NRL superstar Nathan Cleary hasn’t ruled out eventually switching footy codes, with the NSW Blues halfback declaring he has an ‘open mind.’
Speaking ahead of game two in Perth on June 18, the immediate focus of the four-time premiership winner is lifting the Origin shield.
And for now, adoring Penrith fans can breathe easy – the 27-year-old still has goals to tick off in rugby league.
‘I think I’ve got enough challenges in front of me,’ Cleary said from the Blues’ camp at Leura in the NSW Blue Mountains.
‘I feel like I want to squeeze the most out of my rugby league potential as I can.
‘I’ve put so much into it and it’s been my passion for so long, so to then get to this stage where I feel like I’m probably playing my best footy and in the best position to play my best footy in the coming years, I don’t want to waste that.
NRL superstar Nathan Cleary hasn’t ruled out eventually switching footy codes, with the NSW Blues halfback declaring he has an ‘open mind’ – (pictured, with girlfriend Mary Fowler)
Speaking ahead of game two in Perth on June 18, the four-time NRL premiership winner is focused on lifting the Origin shield
‘Going back to Penrith and the way we started the year, that’s a challenge in itself and I’ve found motivation in that. You can’t take winning for granted.
‘(In saying that)’I’ve got a pretty open mind….(it may happen) potentially down the track, but not at the moment.’
Cleary is contracted until the end of 2027 – but earlier this month Wallabies legend Tim Horan publicly stated the Penrith star was ‘quite keen’ to switch codes.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt also felt the playmaker may ‘want to spread his wings.’
And with Cleary’s girlfriend – Matildas star Mary Fowler – based in England with Manchester City, rumours of a move won’t go away.
In Perth, Cleary will reunite with former Panthers teammate Jarome Luai in the halves for Origin II after Eels skipper Mitch Moses was ruled out due to injury.
Footy legend Peter Sterling has backed Luai to perform despite a limited preparation.
‘You know what you’re gonna get with Jarome,’ he said.
‘Obviously he’s got a great relationship with Nathan Cleary ‘We all know he’ll do the job. He doesn’t look out of place in Origin — never has.’
