‘Maybe, who knows?’: Panthers come clean as Nathan Cleary rugby union links won’t go away

Nathan Cleary will break just about every NRL record if he signs a new deal in a couple of years, but that could be in jeopardy for this reason.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says his son isn’t focusing on rumours he could make a shock code switch later in his career, with Nathan Cleary more concerned about taking on great mate Jarome Luai for the first time in the NRL.

Cleary has another two years to run on his Panthers deal and would likely become one of the highest-paid players of all time if he signs a new deal when the salary cap goes up.

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There is no suggestion he is contemplating leaving Penrith, where he has won four titles in a row and is on track to shatter several NRL records.

But Wallabies legend Tim Horan recently suggested that Cleary was considering a code switch, while others reckon he has nothing left to prove in rugby league given he’s already achieved so much.

Nathan Cleary could be tempted to move to Europe to be closer to his partner, Mary Fowler. Picture: Instagram

Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary will go head to head this weekend. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The other major factor is his partner Mary Fowler, who is injured but plays football overseas, which could tempt the superstar halfback to move to Europe where he could test himself in rugby.

“Nathan’s here for another two years, so that’s where he’s going to be,” his father said on Friday.

“Nat’s a pretty open-minded kid. That’s down the track, so maybe, who knows? But he’s contracted here for another two years, so that’s what he’s doing.

“I don’t think he reads too much stuff (so it doesn’t worry him). He’s got his own little circle, so I don’t think he’s too fussed.

“I’m sure he’d be able to play OK (if he did go to rugby). I don’t think he’s ever played. He’d have to avoid all the rucks, kick and goal kick, so he’d go all right.”

Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai will be looking to get one over their former team this weekend. Picture: NRL Imagery

While the rugby rumours are generating interest for now, the Clearys are more worried about an important game against the Wests Tigers who boast several former Penrith premiership stars.

Luai, Api Koroisau and Sunia Turuva will all be there on Sunday, but it’s nothing new for Ivan, who has coached against several of his former stars over the years, including last week when former Panthers Isaiah Iongi and J’maine Hopgood – as well as Penrith junior Ryley Smith – lined up for the Eels.

“I’ve got to say, you kind of get used to it over the years facing up against guys that we loved and were a big part of the team,” Cleary said.

“Romey (Luai) was certainly one of those, as was Tito (Turuva) and Api, so there a few there, but there were three the week before at Parra, too.

“It makes it interesting, for sure. Our games against the Tigers are always tough and they always seem to bring their best against us. I’m sure it’ll be the same this week.”

Nathan Cleary has achieved almost everything in rugby league. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Sunday’s clash will be the first time that Cleary and Luai have squared off in the NRL, with the pair winning four titles together in the halves during Penrith’s incredible run.

They did play against each other when they were juniors coming through the ranks, while Cleary got the better of his great mate when Australia beat Samoa in the World Cup final a few years ago.

“It looks like he’s made an immediate impact which I always thought he would, and they probably did as well,” Ivan said, impressed with Luai’s kicking game at his new club.

“It’s been a real highlight for them. He’s playing some good footy, he’s steering the team well and he’s doing a pretty good job.”

Originally published as ‘Maybe, who knows?’: Panthers come clean as Nathan Cleary rugby union links won’t go away