Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says he is unclear on son Nathan’s sporting future amid speculation the halfback could be eyeing a move to rugby union.
Nathan Cleary, one of the NRL’s best players, is contracted at Penrith until the end of 2027.
Reports suggesting Cleary may be interested in rugby union emerged last week, when Wallabies legend Tim Horan said the Penrith star was “quite keen” to switch codes.
Ivan Cleary wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the NSW halfback exploring the rival code but was firm that father and son would remain united until the end of his contract.
“Nathan’s here for another two years so that’s where he’s gonna be,” Ivan Cleary said on Friday.
“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.”
The Penrith coach even weighed in on whether his son would make an effective flyhalf should he choose to change to the 15-a-side game.
“I don’t think he’s ever played (rugby union),” Ivan Cleary said.
“He’d just have to avoid all the rucks, just kick and goal kick I suppose and he’d go alright.”
Horan said on Stan Sport last week that rugby circles were awash with a a tanatalising “rumour” that Cleary was keen to make a switch.
“You might not have to wait too long,” Horan said as his fellow panellists discussed Cleary and other Origin players who could prove a hit for the Wallabies.
Origin teammate Angus Crichton earlier this week said Cleary would be sensational in rugby if he ever decided to leave his beloved Panthers for a new challenge.
Nathan Cleary. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Roosters forward Angus Crichton is adamant Nathan Cleary would be sensational in rugby if he ever decided to leave his beloved Panthers for a new challenge.
The rugby world is abuzz over the possibility of the Penrith superstar making a switch to the 15-player code before the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven show after Cleary featured in New South Wales’ dominant State of Origin victory over Queensland, Wallabies legend Tim Horan suggested there was talk that Cleary was keen to make a switch.
“You might not have to wait too long,” Horan said as his fellow panellists discussed Cleary and other Origin players who could prove a hit for the Wallabies.
“There’s been some rumours the last two months that he’s quite keen. I’ve heard it totally separate, he’s quite keen to come to rugby.
Nathan and Ivan Cleary after the 2021 Grand Final win. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
“I don’t think it’s the right thing for Australian rugby to do, we’ve got a lot of talent coming through.
“But I tell you what, if Nathan Cleary says ‘I’m interested in playing the game’ you’ve got to have a coffee.”
Crichton, who was a schoolboy star in rugby union before switching to league, said on 100% Footy on Nine on Monday night that Cleary has the tools to succeed in either code.
“For sure, I think he’d suit it,” he said.
“I don’t know if he’ll ever leave Penrith, what they’ve achieved there and his legacy there is something I’m sure he thinks about it.
“He would kill it in union.”
Cleary snr rubbished the notion that winning three State of Origin series and four premierships meant the 27-year-old had nothing left to prove in 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 Panthers take on Wests Tigers on Sunday and hope to build on momentum started with their gritty 18-10 win over Parramatta in round 13.
It will be the first time Penrith have faced Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva since they were part of the Panthers’ fourth straight premiership.
The Penrith coach highlighted how changes in Luai’s approach have helped lift the previously struggling Tigers (13th) above Penrith (15th) on the ladder.
“Probably started last year when (Luai) started kicking the ball more, his kicking game has definitely improved over the last couple of years,” Cleary said.
“Touching the ball more, being around both sides of the footy and just being generally dangerous.”
with AAP
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2025/06/06/pretty-open-minded-clearys-curious-call-on-code-switch-fuels-firestorm-of-wallabies-speculation/‘Pretty open minded’: Cleary’s curious call on code switch fuels firestorm of Wallabies speculation
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