Rumors surfaced last weekend linking Penrith Panthers’ star player Nathan Cleary with a surprising potential move to the Super League, sparking excitement and speculation. According to reports from Australia, it was suggested that Cleary was contemplating taking a break from the National Rugby League (NRL) and possibly relocating to the UK to continue his rugby career in the Super League.
The rumors gained traction due to Cleary’s personal connection to the UK, as his partner, Mary Fowler, is an Australian footballer who plays for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League. This led to further speculation that Cleary might consider a move to England to be closer to Fowler, raising the possibility that he could continue his career in the Super League while she plays for Manchester City.
However, the rumors were quickly dismissed. A report by the *Telegraph* clarified that Cleary had never expressed interest in such a move. The Penrith Panthers have been firm in their stance, denying any claims that Cleary had considered leaving the NRL for England. The Panthers emphasized that Cleary had never shown any desire to play in the Super League, and the idea of him taking a year off from the NRL seemed far-fetched.
The rumors were soon seen as more of a joke within the rugby community, with Cleary’s teammates poking fun at the situation. Mitch Kenny, Cleary’s teammate at Penrith, humorously addressed the rumors during an appearance on the popular TV show *NRL360*. When asked if he had any insight into the rumors, Kenny jokingly responded that Cleary had signed a three-year contract with the Warrington Wolves, a well-known Super League team, and humorously admitted he was late to the rumor mill.
If Cleary were to make a move to England, it would be an extraordinary event for the Super League, as he is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. Cleary has been a dominant force in the NRL for years, playing a crucial role in Penrith’s recent successes. He has been instrumental in the team’s impressive run under the guidance of his father, Ivan Cleary, who is also the coach of the Penrith Panthers.
Cleary’s reputation as a premier player in rugby league means that if he ever did switch to the Super League, it would be a monumental moment for the sport. However, for now, the rumors remain just that—rumors—and Cleary continues to be a key player for Penrith in the NRL. Despite the humorous response from his teammates and the media attention, there is no indication that a move to England is on the horizon for the superstar halfback.
