Nathan Cleary makes shock plea to NRL while visiting Mary Fowler as Wigan boss makes halfback wish
The Penrith Panthers halfback isn't ready to let the situation fizzle out.
The Super League is not giving up hope on luring Penrith's Nathan Cleary over to England during his career, while the halfback has made a shock plea to the NRL to host the World Club Challenge during Magic Round. On the weekend, Cleary made a shock appearance at the Super League final where Wigan Warriors won their fourth straight premiership.
Cleary was in attendance at Old Trafford to see Wigan defeat Hull 9-2 and he was also brought onto the field as a special guest. And amid all the rumours he could be seeking a move to the Super League, which would bring him closer to Matildas star and partner Mary Fowler in the UK, Cleary was quick to shut down the speculation.
"Not any time soon, to be honest," Cleary said. "I've seen all the rumours. But get to come over here and see her [Mary] play, which is nice and have a break. But (I) won't be moving over here anytime soon."
However, this hasn't stopped Wigan Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinksi suggesting every Super League team would jump at the opportunity to bring Cleary to England. After praising the 'best player in the world', Radlinksi was aware of the attention Cleary would bring if he made the shock switch.
"Obviously he's the best player in the world, what he has done for many years is outstanding, and to have him there on Saturday night at Old Trafford was fantastic," Radlinski told Sky Sports News. "I'm sure he saw the occasion and part of him fancied that.
If Nathan's name comes on the market everybody would be trying to sign him. I'm pretty comfortable with the squad that we've got at the moment, but it'd certainly be great for Super League."
Nathan Cleary makes plea to NRL over World Club Challenge
And having watched Wigan defeat Hull in the Super League final, Cleary obviously became determined to prove his team's legendary status and win the one trophy that has evaded him throughout his career. Cleary called for the NRL to host the World Club Challenge during Magic Round.
Cleary and his teammates have never won the WCC wearing Panthers colours in three attempts during their NRL dominance. Wigan defeated Penrith last year and due to a busy international schedule, Penrith have signalled their intention to withdraw from the WCC.
Penrith's snub means Cleary won't have the opportunity to win the elusive trophy against Wigan. And while visiting Fowler in England, Cleary congratulated Wigan and called for Peter V'landys and the NRL to make room for the WCC next year during the popular Magic Round. “Congrats to Wigan on another win! Would love to be able to play the WCC at [the] magic round next year. I understand the logistics of getting the game on would be difficult, but I think it would be a great spectacle.”
Magic Round has been hosted in Brisbane and is a massive draw card for NRL fans. Hosting the WCC at the NRL festival would be huge for the international club competition, but would cause a major logistic issue for the NRL as they try to fit the game into the middle of the schedule.
Matty Johns worried over Nathan Cleary bids
Cleary is signed until 2027 at Penrith and Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher has recently admitted his endeavour to re-sign the halfback so he remains a one-club player. While Cleary attempted to shut down the speculation, former NRL player Matty Johns admitted he felt worried the halfback could be tempted by the big offers.
RELATED:
Fittler's telling comments on coaching links after sad family confession
Allan Langer and Kevin Walters suffer blow amid tumultuous Broncos time
Nathan Cleary's emphatic response to big rumour around Mary Fowler
Matty said the Cleary situation reminds him of when his brother and league Immortal Andrew Johns was frequently linked to a rugby switch during the height of his career. "My only fear with Nathan is him going to England puts him pretty much in the spotlight or basically he's right in the backyard of these big French rugby clubs and European rugby clubs," he said on SEN's Morning Glory with Matty Johns last week.
"And there would be a temptation there (to poach him). Some of them (rugby clubs) would probably look to make a bid sooner rather than later, that's the only thing that would concern me."
