Nathan Cleary reveals potential Super League switch despite fellow Aussie’s dig
Nathan Cleary, a three-time NRL champion, says he is “open” to participating in the Super League in the future.
However, it coincides with remarks made by another Australian player that the standard of instruction in England’s premier league is “a piece of piss”.
Jake Clifford played for the Cowboys and the Knights before moving abroad to play for Hull FC in the previous season.
This season, he has traveled back to Australia to play for North Queensland. When asked on SEN radio, he contrasted a pre-season in Hull with one in Townsville or the Hunter.
“Not a chance. In comparison to what we endure here, the preseason in England was really a piece of shit, Clifford remarked.
The homeland will undoubtedly be upset by those remarks, but Cleary’s admission might appease English league supporters.
The 26-year-old halfback has led Penrith to three straight grand final triumphs. In the previous game against the Broncos, he nearly single-handedly rallied the Panthers from a 16-point deficit.
A possible Super League move would be a huge victory for Australian rugby league abroad, given he is regarded by many eminent judges as a future Australian rugby league immortal.
“I’m not against it,” Cleary told the UK’s Mirror this week in Manchester.
“I have a pretty open mind to that kind of stuff.
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“I think just being able to experience different cultures and different experiences is something I enjoy doing. I’m not closed off to that idea.”
Cleary is signed to Penrith until the end of 2027, meaning he will be 30 years old once that contract expires.
He certainly wouldn’t be the first champion NRL playmaker to dabble in the Super League at the back end of his career.
Cleary’s idol Andrew Johns briefly played for Warrington in 2005, and more recently it was 2013 Roosters premiership halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney who finished their careers overseas.
A potential sweetener on any Cleary deal could be the fact his current partner, Australian football star Mary Fowler, now plays for Manchester City.
Cleary and his Panthers are in Manchester this week for the World Club Challenge, played on Sunday morning (AEDT).
“I actually really like just being able to wander around the streets and no one knows who you are,” Cleary said of Manchester.
“I think I’ve only been recognised once. It’s a nice change (to Sydney).”
