Matty Johns, a well-known figure in Australian sports, has expressed concerns about Nathan Cleary, one of the most prominent players in the National Rugby League (NRL), possibly moving to England. Cleary, the star halfback of the Penrith Panthers and four-time NRL premiership winner, has hinted at the possibility of relocating to be closer to his girlfriend, Mary Fowler, who plays football for Manchester City in the UK. This move has sparked speculation that Cleary might switch from rugby league to rugby union if he moves overseas, a concern shared by many in the rugby community.
Following the Panthers’ historic fourth consecutive grand final victory, rumors about Cleary moving to England have gained traction. Cleary and his father, Ivan Cleary, who is also his coach at the Panthers, are contracted with the club until 2027, but it remains uncertain whether the Panthers would prevent Nathan from seeking a release if he chose to explore playing in England. Penrith Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has expressed hopes that both father and son would extend their contracts until at least 2030, but Cleary’s personal life and his relationship with Fowler might influence his future decisions.
Johns, who draws parallels between Cleary and his brother, Andrew Johns, an iconic figure in rugby league, voiced his fears about losing Cleary to European rugby. He recalls how his brother, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby league players, was also linked with a potential switch to European rugby union at the height of his career. According to Johns, Cleary’s international stature mirrors that of his brother, and the fear is that if Cleary moved to England to play in the Super League, he would be in the direct line of sight for major European rugby clubs, particularly in France. The allure of these rugby union clubs, with their financial power and prestige, could be tempting for Cleary if he were already based in Europe.
This concern is not unwarranted, given the history of rugby league stars making the switch to rugby union, particularly in Europe where the 15-a-side code has a strong presence. The move could be seen as a massive loss for the NRL, while offering a huge boost to rugby union, particularly in the northern hemisphere. The possibility of Cleary being courted by big-name clubs in French and English rugby is something that Johns, and others in the league community, find troubling.
Cleary, who has achieved almost everything possible in his rugby league career by the age of 27, has openly admitted that he has considered playing overseas. Earlier this year, he stated that he would keep an “open mind” about moving abroad, acknowledging that experiencing different cultures and opportunities is something he values. His achievements in the sport include four NRL premierships and a Rugby League World Cup title. However, despite these accomplishments, some critics argue that Cleary has yet to dominate the State of Origin series in the same way as past rugby legends like Wally Lewis, Andrew Johns, and Johnathan Thurston.
While the idea of playing abroad seems appealing to Cleary, the reaction from the Penrith Panthers organization has been mixed. CEO Brian Fletcher has expressed optimism that Cleary will stay with the Panthers for the long term. In a somewhat lighthearted manner, Fletcher even suggested that Fowler should move back to Australia, hinting that this could solve the dilemma of Cleary contemplating a move to be closer to her. Fletcher, during an interview at a Panthers fan event, proposed that the solution to the speculation might be for Fowler to return to Australia to be with Cleary rather than the NRL star relocating to Europe. However, these comments were met with criticism from many in the football community.
Critics pointed out that it would be highly unrealistic to expect Fowler, who plays for Manchester City, one of the world’s top football clubs, to return to Australia and play in the less prestigious A-League Women. Fowler is considered one of the rising stars of the football world, and her career trajectory is firmly rooted in Europe, where women’s football is significantly more developed and competitive compared to Australia. The likelihood of Fowler giving up her promising football career to accommodate Cleary seems improbable to many.
As speculation continues about Cleary’s future, the larger conversation revolves around the intersection of professional and personal commitments. Cleary’s decision, whether to remain in Australia or move to England, will inevitably have a significant impact on both his rugby league career and his relationship with Fowler. Should he move to Europe, the potential for him to switch codes and play rugby union is a real possibility, which would not only be a major coup for European rugby but also a considerable loss for the NRL.
For now, Cleary’s future remains uncertain, and it is clear that his decision will be influenced by a combination of professional ambitions and personal relationships. Whether he remains with the Panthers or makes the move to Europe, the ongoing speculation surrounding his career highlights the pressures athletes face when balancing personal and professional life in a highly demanding sports industry. While Matty Johns’ concerns may seem premature, they reflect a legitimate worry that Cleary, a player at the peak of his career, could be tempted to take his talents overseas, potentially altering the landscape of both rugby league and rugby union.
