The future of Nathan Cleary in the NRL is a topic of much speculation, with former player and commentator Andrew Johns offering his insights. Johns believes that Cleary's only remaining goal is to 'own' a State of Origin series, and that this achievement will likely lead to an overseas move, possibly to the Papua New Guinea Chiefs or England. This is despite Cleary's strong performance with the Penrith Panthers, who are currently atop the NRL ladder.
Johns' prediction is based on the idea that Cleary's partner, Mary Fowler, plays football for Manchester City, and that there might be an opportunity in rugby union in Europe or in the Super League. He also mentions his friend Simon Moran, owner of Warrington, who would go to great lengths to bring Cleary to the club. However, Johns acknowledges that Cleary has already achieved much in the NRL, and that his dominance in the competition could be a factor in his future decisions.
The article also touches on the potential impact of Ivan Cleary's departure from the Panthers, which could lead to a dip in the team's performance, similar to what happened when Wayne Bennett left St George Illawarra and Newcastle. Peter Wallace, who will take over as head coach in 2028, may have to start from scratch, and the article mentions the possibility of key players like Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, and Liam Martin leaving the club.
In conclusion, the future of Nathan Cleary in the NRL is uncertain, and the article highlights the potential impact of his decisions on the Penrith Panthers and the NRL as a whole. Johns' insights offer a fascinating perspective on the situation, and the article raises important questions about the future of the sport and its key players.
