'There is interest on both sides': Mary Fowler factor could help swing Nathan Cleary code switch

The Nathan Cleary to rugby rumours are more than just hot air, according to well connected pundit Morgan Turinui.

The story reignited on Thursday when Wallabies legend Tim Horan told Stan Sport's Rugby Heaven that NRL superstar Cleary was "quite keen" on exploring a code switch.

But with Cleary's partner Mary Fowler playing football for Manchester City, his club future would most likely lie in Europe, not Australia.

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The Penrith Panthers gun could then potentially play for the Wallabies as a 'Giteau Law' player - and mean Rugby Australia does not have to break the bank for his services.

"There is interest, I've heard, on both sides," Turinui said on Nine's Wide World of Sports on Sunday.

"Obviously he's done so much in rugby league, what's the next challenge? What's his personal life going to be like?

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"I wouldn't be surprised if he goes and earns a couple of million euros in Europe and is available for the Wallabies as well.

"Which perhaps means you don't see him in Super Rugby, but there's interest in him in playing international rugby."

Australia is hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027, so Cleary would need to get cracking if he wanted to feature.

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The Wallabies do not have a standout No.10 and incumbent Noah Lolesio is moving to Japan next year.

Cleary's game is built on rock solid fundamentals and sharp brain which are well suited to a quicker than usual transition.

"I think we could find room for him," Turinui quipped.

"Played childhood rugby, he's spent a lot of time in New Zealand, played a lot of rugby... he's an out and out ball player, and that role that he can play can transfer, with his kicking skills, very easily to rugby."

Turinui also took a friendly swipe at his Stan Sport colleague for letting the Cleary cat out of the bag.

"Tim Horan can't keep a secret," he said.

"If you want to sign Nathan Cleary to rugby, you do it in the dark at night, you get the signature, then you start talking about it.

"But look, it's an interesting question - like, what's left for him in rugby league? You've just got to try and be an Immortal now? What's left for him to achieve?"

Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns poured cold water on the rumour on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"What's today, June 1 - it's not April 1. I'm saying a big fat no. That won't happen," Johns said.

Queensland coach Billy Slater added: "It would be a pull-off for the Wallabies if they could get Nathan Cleary, but I don't think that would happen."

Cameron Smith declared "no chance" while Brad Fittler - whose son Zach is on the NSW Waratahs' books - also weighed in.

"Think to what they've done with Joseph (Suaalii) and how much it's cost - he is gonna cost more," Fittler said.