In the world of rugby league, the future of Nathan Cleary has become a hot topic, with speculation swirling around his potential departure from the NRL. The renowned Andrew Johns, a true legend of the game, has offered his insights, predicting that Cleary's next big move will be overseas, a decision that could be influenced by his desire to 'own' a State of Origin series.
The Cleary Conundrum
Nathan Cleary, a four-time Panthers premiership winner, finds himself at a crossroads. His contract with Penrith expires at the end of next year, and with his father, Ivan, announcing his departure as coach after the 2027 season, the future of the Cleary dynasty at the club is uncertain. Many are predicting that Nathan will follow in his father's footsteps, but Johns believes otherwise.
Overseas Opportunities
Johns suggests that Cleary's next move could be to England, where his partner, Mary Fowler, plays football for Manchester City. The lure of tax-free salaries in Papua New Guinea, with the expansion team, the Chiefs, is also a potential drawcard, especially with Cleary's former teammate, Jarome Luai, already committed to the club. However, Johns leans towards an English Super League move, citing the interest and allure of European rugby union as a possible alternative.
A One-Club Man?
Despite the speculation, Johns maintains that Cleary is likely to remain a one-club man, loyal to Penrith. He believes that Cleary has achieved everything there is to achieve in the NRL and that the only box left unchecked is 'owning' an Origin series. This, Johns argues, could be the catalyst for a move abroad, a challenge that Cleary may embrace.
The Origin Factor
Cleary's performances at representative level have been a topic of debate. While he has been the dominant halfback in the NRL for several years, his Origin record is less impressive. With a win-loss record of 8-9, Cleary has not dominated the Origin arena as Johns did during his illustrious career. The Blues have even won series without Cleary, highlighting the pressure on the superstar to deliver on the biggest stage.
The Panthers' Future
The impending departure of Ivan Cleary as coach will undoubtedly have an impact on the Panthers. Johns draws parallels with the legendary Wayne Bennett, suggesting that the Panthers may experience a dip in performance, similar to what happened at St. George Illawarra and Newcastle when Bennett left those clubs. The future of the Panthers' senior players, including Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, and Liam Martin, is also uncertain, with the potential for big-money moves to other clubs, such as Perth or PNG, looming large.
A New Era for Penrith
With Ivan Cleary's exit and the potential departure of key players, the Panthers will enter a new era under the guidance of Peter Wallace, the incoming coach. Johns acknowledges that Wallace will face a challenging task, needing to establish his own philosophies while potentially rebuilding the team. The Panthers currently sit atop the NRL ladder, but the upcoming Magic Round and the future beyond it promise an intriguing and uncertain path for the club.
Final Thoughts
The future of Nathan Cleary and the Panthers is shrouded in uncertainty, with the potential for significant changes on and off the field. As Johns suggests, the next few years could see a reshaping of the NRL landscape, with the Cleary dynasty potentially coming to an end at Penrith and a new era beginning for the club. It's an exciting and unpredictable time for rugby league fans, and only time will tell how these stories unfold.
