Andrew Johns says the only thing Nathan Cleary has left to achieve in Australian rugby league is to “own” a State of Origin series, and believes the champion halfback will head overseas once he ticks that off the to-do list.
Johns also doubts whether Cleary could ever play against his beloved Penrith, as speculation heats up over the future of the four-time Panthers premiership winner following his father Ivan announcing season 2027 will be his last as coach.
Nathan’s contract also expires at the end of next year and many are now tipping the superstar No.7 to follow his father out of the club.
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The Papua New Guinea Chiefs have been floated as a contender for his signature, with the lure of tax-free salaries and his former teammate Jarome Luai already agreeing to join the expansion team in 2028.
But Johns reckons a move to England is more likely, where Cleary’s partner Mary Fowler plays football for Manchester City.
“Nathan will stay (at Penrith). I can only see him being a one-club man,” Johns said on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai during Origin. Getty
“I think there would be more interest to go to England. Whether there’s an option in rugby union in Europe, or playing in the Super League over there.
“I know my mate Simon Moran from Warrington, who owns Warrington, would move heaven and earth and hell to get Nathan there.
“He’s done everything here, we know that. And this year if he owns Origin, then that is ticked off.
“We will soon see.”
While Cleary has been the dominant halfback in the NRL for several years, critics still cast doubt over his performances at representative level.
He’s played 17 Origin games for New South Wales since debuting in 2018, but the Blues have won eight and lost nine while he’s been calling the shots.
His tenure as Blues halfback has included losing “unlosable” series to Queensland in 2020 and 2025 when NSW undoubtedly had a stronger team, but were outplayed and out-coached.
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Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Stephen Crichton speak post-match. Cameron Spencer via Getty Images
In 2019 the Blues won the series decider without Cleary, and they won the 2024 series in his absence too.
He’s often been likened to Johns throughout his career but whereas Johns dominated the Origin arena throughout his 23 Blues games, Cleary has not.
As for Penrith, Cleary is just one of a number of premiership players who are off contract next year and could leave in the wake of coach Ivan’s exit.
It means his successor Peter Wallace may have to start from scratch in 2028 when he takes the reins.
“If you have a look at Wayne Bennett, when Wayne has left clubs – notably St George Illawarra, they sort of dipped, when he left Newcastle they had a big dip – it’s like following Bradman into bat really,” Johns said of Ivan Cleary’s looming departure.
“Peter Wallace, great guy. I imagine not too much will change. He will want to put his own philosophies in place. It will be a challenge, for sure.
“They’ve got that senior group, but also the senior group is coming to an end.
“When you look at Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin, these guys might take some big money to go to Perth or PNG. We keep hearing about Brian To’o going to PNG with his mate Jarome Luai, and big mail about Liam Martin going there, Mitch Kenny… it’s an interesting time out there.
“It’s going to be a big job for Peter Wallace.”
The Panthers currently sit atop the NRL ladder heading into Magic Round.