Nathan Cleary has declared he is ‘not too sick of winning yet’, offering the clearest indication yet that he still has plenty left to achieve in the NRL despite growing speculation he could eventually move to England to be closer to partner Mary Fowler.
The Penrith superstar delivered one of the defining performances of his career, leading NSW to a dominant 30-12 Origin decider win before returning to Sydney with Fowler the next day.
Cleary finally erased the one criticism that had followed him throughout his representative career.
The 28-year-old finally won his first Origin decider, scoring two tries, kicking five goals from five attempts, producing a crucial strip on Selwyn Cobbo and claiming the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series
His performance prompted widespread praise, with NSW coach Laurie Daley fiercely defending his halfback from years of criticism, while Phil Gould dismissed suggestions Cleary had never ‘owned’ Origin as ‘really lazy and really lame’.
Attention has now shifted to what comes next for arguably rugby league’s biggest star.
Cleary and Fowler returned to Sydney together following NSW’s dominant State of Origin series-clinching victory over Queensland
Cleary says he’s ‘not too sick of winning yet’ despite England speculation surrounding his long-term future
The Panthers superstar insists his hunger for success remains despite ongoing links to England with Fowler
Isaah Yeo believes there will be no problems keeping Nathan Cleary in rugby league long-term
Cleary is contracted with Penrith until the end of the 2027 season, the same year father Ivan Cleary is set to step down as Panthers coach.
Meanwhile, Fowler remains committed to Manchester City and has previously stated she wants to continue playing at the highest level in England, leading to persistent speculation that Cleary could eventually head overseas.
Before this year’s Origin series, Andrew Johns suggested the only realistic destination outside the NRL would be England if Cleary ever decided to leave Penrith.
Johns believed the Panthers halfback first needed to conquer the one challenge missing from his résumé by dominating an Origin series.
That box now appears to have been ticked.
But rather than suggesting he has achieved everything there is to achieve, Cleary made it clear he remains driven by the pursuit of more success.
‘It’s easy, it’s what I love to do,’ Cleary said.
‘It’s one of those things where you’re never complete either, there is always so many areas to get better at and I enjoy that journey.
Cleary’s Wally Lewis Medal capped one of the finest representative performances of his decorated rugby league career
Nathan Cleary thanked Mary Fowler, family and teammates after delivering a memorable Origin decider masterclass for NSW
‘I’m very lucky that I love my job and I love rugby league as a sport. It’s given me so much and I just want to keep getting the most out of it.’
He then delivered a line Panthers fans will hope proves significant.
‘I’m not too sick of winning yet.’
The comments come after Cleary admitted earlier this year that deciding where he plays beyond 2027 will be one of the biggest decisions of his career.
He has previously said he will discuss his future with Fowler but stressed no decision would be rushed, with both athletes focused on their current commitments.
Fowler was front and centre throughout Wednesday night’s celebrations.
The Matildas star watched from the stands at Suncorp Stadium as Cleary inspired the Blues to victory before cameras captured the couple embracing on the field after full-time and again inside the NSW dressing rooms.
She was then invited onto the Blues’ charter flight back to Sydney on Thursday, travelling home with Cleary and the rest of the NSW squad before the pair departed together.
Speaking after the match, Cleary also made sure to acknowledge the people closest to him.
‘I just was happy I was able to repay the faith that the boys and my teammates and the coaching staff had in me,’ he said.
‘And also those in my corner, support me, close friends, family, my partner.’
Reflecting on the significance of finally winning an Origin decider, Cleary admitted it ranks among the greatest moments of his career.
‘It’s right at the top,’ he said.
‘Representing the state, it’s something I have always wanted to do as a kid.
‘To do it on the biggest stage, and get a win like that, it’s unbelievable.’
NSW co-captain Isaah Yeo also attempted to ease concerns surrounding Cleary’s future, predicting there would be no issues keeping his teammate in rugby league despite the ongoing speculation.
‘I don’t think there will be any problems keeping him in rugby league,’ Yeo said.
