Cleary drops hint as speculation around fresh challenge swirls
Penrith and NSW champion Nathan Cleary says his desire to succeed in rugby league is stronger than ever, despite talk he could be headed to rugby union now he’s conquered State of Origin.
Cleary said in February he was “open to” a switch to rugby union, which fuelled talk he could move to Europe to take up the 15-man code.
Nathan Cleary celebrates scoring one of two tries in this year’s State of Origin decider. Getty
Those whispers have grown louder in the wake of his man-of-the-match performance in the Blues’ 30-12 boilover in the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium last Wednesday night.
Many are wondering what could possibly be driving a player who has achieved just about everything that can be achieved in rugby league.
The reality? Plenty.
“If anything, that drive is probably growing even more,” Cleary told 9News on Monday.
“It’s just a feeling I have. I feel like I can still get so much better.
“When you’re able to enjoy some success, it’s an addictive feeling and you just want more of it.
“I’ve always said rugby league is my passion. I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember, so it’s always going to be life for me.”
Prior to last Wednesday night, Cleary had already won four NRL premierships, a World Cup and an Ashes series.
The gun halfback had also claimed two Clive Churchill Medals and three Dally M Halfback of the Year awards.
He then scored two tries, and generally ran amok, to inspire victory in the Origin decider and do what his critics had insisted he simply had to do.
Adding to the speculation around Cleary’s future is he could be on his way to free agency.
Contracted with Penrith until the end of 2027, he will be free to negotiate with rival NRL clubs from November 1 if he doesn’t re-sign before then.
Quizzed by 9News’ Danny Weidler on Monday, Cleary said he wasn’t sure if he’d reach free agency or re-sign with Penrith.
“That’s something I’ll think about over the next couple of weeks,” he said.
Joining European rugby would allow Cleary to live far closer to his partner Mary Fowler, the Matildas star playing for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.
