EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns reveals main factor standing in the way of Nathan Cleary's potential Super League move

Andrew Johns believes a potential move overseas for Nathan Cleary "could be a real option" in the future - but one major hurdle still remains.

Cleary's future has been cast into the spotlight in recent weeks, with the Panthers star set to come off-contract at the end of next season.

At this stage, the four-time premiership winner hasn't extended with Penrith and it could see him hit the open market on November 1 of this year, opening the door for the PNG Chiefs to offer him a sizeable, tax-free contract ahead of their inaugural 2028 season.

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The other rumours that continue to swirl around Cleary is a potential move to rugby union or the Super League, with his partner Mary Fowler playing for Manchester City.

Reports surfaced this week linking him with Hull KR, who have supposedly offered Cleary a monster deal worth close to $2 million per season.

Speaking on Wide World Of Sports' Immortal Behaviour this week, Johns admitted that the 28-year-old could possibly weigh up moving to the English competition.

"He won't play rugby - he loves league too much," Johns said.

"The only threat for Penrith is the Super League, if he goes over there. Obviously he's in a relationship with Mary Fowler, who is based in Manchester.

"If he played for Warrington or Wigan, those places are only half an hour from Manchester, so that could be a real option."

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However, according to the legendary halfback, Cleary is yet to cement his legacy in rugby league and won't be going anywhere until he does.

"He won't leave until he owns Origin," Johns continued.

"He's won competitions, he's won everything at club land - but I don't think Nathan will leave until he owns an Origin series.

"If you look at any of the great halves or X-factor players over the last 30 years at Origin … that's where you build your real legacy and Nathan has admitted that.

"He's got it in him and hopefully this year is the year. He'll own it, especially on the back of the middles like [Payne] Haas, [Cam] Murray and [Isaah] Yeo and playing off them."

Cleary has won three State of Origin series for the Blues, but has yet to completely stamp his authority on the game's toughest arena.

It's expected Cleary will wear the No.7 jumper for this year's series, which kicks off in late-May, with the likes of Mitchell Moses and Jarome Luai in the mix to partner him.