Former Rugby Australia boss drops Nathan Cleary defection bombshell

Nathan Cleary remains the biggest name in the NRL, but a former Rugby Australia boss has detailed a potential bombshell code switch.

Former Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan has revealed Nathan Cleary and a host of NRL stars were keen to make a code switch in May.

McLennan lifted the lid that he had been contacted about a secret approach with several players ready to defect, months after he had been sacked from his role.

Watch every ball of Australia v Pakistan T20I Series LIVE & exclusive to FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

Up to six NRL players were said to be open to negotiations after Joseph Suaalii snared a three-year contract worth an eye-watering $5m to switch codes.

While no formal conversations ever took place, McLennan said the approach from a third-party was genuine.

“Earlier this year, I got told Cleary and a few other top NRL players were keen to come to rugby via a third party,” McLennan said in an exclusive interview with Code Sports.

“It wasn’t directed at me, but I believe it was all real.

“Perhaps they (Cleary and the other NRL players) were wanting to test the waters with a few people, but by then I had left Rugby Australia.

“I left it alone as I felt it had nothing to do with me.”

McLennan says several NRL stars wanted to switch. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Cleary was the biggest name of all. Picture: NRL Photos

McLennan said the early success of Suaalii should be evidence enough for Rugby Australia to launch a huge raid on the NRL.

“RA has to go after Cleary, absolutely,” McLennan said.

“I think the next two players Rugby Australia should look to target are Nathan Cleary and Payne Haas.

“Signing Cleary would be a game changer for the code and add millions in the TV rights deal coming up.”

McLennan says RA should be chasing Haas’ signature. Photo: Chloe Davis/NRL Imagery.

It’s not the first time Cleary has found his name in the middle of speculation surrounding his future after he was linked with a move to the UK.

Cleary’s relationship with Matildas superstar Mary Fowler has only gone from strength to strength with rumours swirling the Panthers gun could move to ease the burden on the couple’s long-distance romance.

Panthers boss Brian Fletcher even cheekily suggested the club needed to “bring Mary back” to Australia, likely in response to speculation Cleary was considering moving to the UK’s Super League.

The couple have been together for a year. Picture Instagram @_nathancleary

The couple enjoyed some time together this offseason.

However, Cleary poured cold water on that when he was interviewed at Wigan’s Super League grand final win over Hull KR.

“Not anytime soon, to be honest,” Cleary said.

“I see all the rumours. I get to come over here and see her (Fowler) play which is nice and to have a break, but I won’t be moving over here anytime soon.”

The couple went public with their relationship in April, but have since admitted they began seeing each other in November, 2023.

Cleary’s other focus will be his ongoing rehab program as he pushes to be fit in time for the Panthers’ season opener in Las Vegas in March.

Originally published as Former Rugby Australia boss drops Nathan Cleary defection bombshell