Revealed: Melbourne’s secret approach to Nathan Cleary as they searched for Cronk successor

Five years ago Melbourne made discreet inquiries about signing Nathan Cleary, now he is coming back to haunt them.

Nathan Cleary is living the dream, playing in a grand final with his Dad as coach Picture: Phil Hillyard

Melbourne don’t miss many but one of the few that hasn’t swooned when the Storm come calling may come back to haunt them on Sunday night.

Five years ago, the Storm identified Penrith star Nathan Cleary as their preferred successor to Cooper Cronk. They batted their eyelids at the Panthers playmaker, but the feeling wasn’t reciprocated.

Now they face the daunting prospect of trying to stop the Penrith halfback and talisman as they plot a path to victory in the grand final at ANZ Stadium. The Storm’s clandestine approach to Cleary has been a well-kept secret for years.

Cleary, who is short odds to win the Dally M medal on Monday night as the player of the year, was in Melbourne’s sights after his father Ivan was sacked by Penrith in 2015. At the time, Melbourne officials were asked whether they would be interested in taking on Ivan in a consultancy role.

They were also led to believe that Nathan had an exit clause in his contract with the Panthers allowing him to quit the club should his father depart.

Melbourne had their interest piqued as they surveyed the halfback landscape for a successor to the brilliant Cronk, but their informal approach at the end of the 2015 season was rebuffed and Nathan elected to stay at Penrith.

The rest is history. Nathan Cleary has led the Panthers to the grand final, having pieced together one of the greatest individual seasons in NRL history. At the same time, Melbourne found their solution to the Cronk conundrum in Jahrome Hughes, who was outstanding in their preliminary final win over Canberra.

Hughes’s work as a No 7 has taken an almighty leap this season, culminating in his performance against the Raiders. The former fullback benefiting from working closely with Cronk, staying in regular contact with the ex-Storm star throughout the year.

“We heard on the grapevine that he (Cleary) had a clause that may allow him to leave Penrith,” Melbourne head of football Frank Ponissi said.
“This was before he had played in the NRL. We made inquiries. It was very informal. He wanted to stay at Penrith and play for them.

“Fortunately for us, we landed on our feet with Jahrome. He has been outstanding this year and we couldn’t be happier with our No 7.”

Cleary has also elevated his game and he shapes as the key for the Panthers as they attempt to win only the third premiership in their history, remarkably alongside his father.

“It is pretty crazy,” Cleary said. “It is still surreal, it is special and unique to be able to do it with dad — not only that but the group. It means a lot to a lot of people.

“To be able to do it with a family member, it is unbelievable — it has been both our dreams.”

Cleary and his father embraced at full-time on Saturday night as they prevailed against South Sydney, the Panthers not at their best but good enough to book a berth in the decider.

“We just hugged each other — I think I said one more to go,” Cleary said.
“He was pretty pumped. It’s the first time he has been here in a while — in 2011 he coached the Warriors. I was here watching the game. I was up in the nosebleeds.”

While this will be Nathan’s first NRL grand final, he is no stranger to the big occasions. He and several of his current teammates won grand finals for fun during their junior careers. Cleary has also been fundamental to NSW’s success over the past two years in the State of Origin arena.

“I think it definitely helps (Origin),” he said. “It also makes it even more special to be able to do it with a group you have grown up with. We have gelled so well.

“I am super grateful to be part of this group. I am riding the wave and absolutely loving it. I think everyone gets along so well.

“It has been a dream of mine to win a grand final together. To be able to win it with your mates is pretty crazy.”

Even better when your father is also involved. The pair have long had a desire to win a grand final together.

“It’s not something we have spoken about too much, but it is that mental feeling,” Cleary said. “We both just know. That is the end goal.

“I guess just the way last year went — very up and down — would make it more special. We have ridden the lows and now just enjoying the ride at the moment.

“It would be the highest of highs if we could get a win on Sunday.”