Superstar Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary is reportedly “quite keen” on a stunning switch to rugby union — and the rumour simply won’t go away.
Cleary, currently enduring a difficult 2025 NRL season, has previously admitted to having a long-standing admiration for the 15-man game. Now, fresh speculation has reignited talk of a potential code switch in the coming years.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven, former Wallabies great Tim Horan hinted the move might be closer than many expect.
“You might not have to wait too long,” Horan said.
“There’s been some rumours the last two months that he’s quite keen.
I’ve heard it totally separate — he’s quite keen to come to rugby.”
Cleary, who spent part of his childhood in New Zealand while his father Ivan coached the Warriors, has often spoken about his respect for union players and the game’s influence across the Tasman.
“I have great admiration and respect for union players, particularly growing up in New Zealand — it’s so big over there,” Cleary told Channel Nine last year.
“At the moment I’m pretty happy with where I’m at. Somewhere down the track, maybe.”
While Cleary is locked in with the Panthers on a seven-figure contract through to the end of 2027, any switch to rugby union would likely occur after that, ruling him out of Wallabies contention for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Meanwhile, Rugby Australia’s ambitious recruitment drive from the NRL has mostly cooled off following a disappointing success rate. Only Joseph Suaalii made the switch, while Mark Nawaqanitawase, Carter Gordon, and others have gone the opposite direction — joining the NRL.
Still, Rugby Australia hasn’t shut the door completely, with reports suggesting they may soon make another push to sign Angus Crichton, who comes off contract at the end of 2026.
FAN POLL: Should Nathan Cleary Switch to Rugby Union?
Yes — he’d be a perfect fit for the Wallabies
Maybe — but only after his Panthers contract ends
No — he belongs in rugby league for life
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