Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has publicly addressed mounting speculation surrounding his son and star halfback Nathan Cleary’s potential move to rugby union, confirming the NRL champion remains “open-minded” about his future beyond his current contract.
Nathan Cleary, a cornerstone of Penrith’s historic four consecutive premierships and a key figure in three NSW State of Origin series victories, is contracted to the Panthers until the end of the 2027 NRL season.
Rumours of a code switch intensified last week following comments from Wallabies legend Tim Horan, who claimed the 27-year-old playmaker was “quite keen” on exploring rugby union.
While firmly stating Nathan’s immediate commitment to the Panthers, Ivan Cleary did not dismiss the possibility of a future move.
“Nathan’s here for another two years so that’s where he’s gonna be,” Cleary stated emphatically. “Nath’s a pretty open-minded kid but that’s down the track maybe, who knows? But he’s contracted here for another two years so that’s what he’s doing.”
When asked about Nathan’s potential effectiveness as a flyhalf in rugby union, the Panthers coach offered a light-hearted assessment based on his son’s league-centric skillset:
“I don’t think he’s ever played (rugby union). He’d just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he’d go alright.”
Cleary senior also refuted suggestions that Nathan, having achieved immense success including four premierships, had nothing left to prove in rugby league.
“I don’t think so at all, not that I’ve ever spoken to him about it,” Cleary said. “Just watching him play every week, he’s always trying to get better and loves what he’s doing.”
The comments come as the Panthers (15th) prepare for a crucial Round 14 clash against the Wests Tigers (13th) at CommBank Stadium this Sunday. The match holds added intrigue as it marks the first time Penrith will face former premiership-winning teammates Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since their off-season moves to the Tigers.
Ivan Cleary acknowledged Luai’s significant impact on his new team, particularly his evolving game management.
“Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years,” Cleary observed. “Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous.”
Despite the emotional element of facing former players, Cleary emphasized the Panthers’ focus is squarely on securing a vital win to build on their Round 13 victory over Parramatta.
“We loved them, they were a big part of our team and (Jarome) was certainly one of those. It makes it interesting for sure but Tigers, generally speaking, our games against them are always tough. They tend to bring their best against us and I’m sure it’ll be the same this week.”
Following Sunday’s match, Nathan Cleary will link up with the NSW State of Origin squad as the Blues prepare for Game II of the series.
