The Roosters have reportedly emerged as a shock potential destination for NRL superstar Nathan Cleary.
The 28-year-old officially became a free agent on Sunday, with his Panthers contract up at the end of the 2027 season.
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And while Penrith are hopeful he will remain at the club, The Sydney Morning Herald understands the Roosters are now a “wildcard” destination for him.
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The report claims Sydney are set “to have a serious crack” at striking a deal with the Origin star after the shock breakdown in negotiations with Sam Walker “opened the door” to a deal.
Despite having one season left on his contract, the Roosters are said to have told Walker he is free to leave.
The Roosters are looking to build on last month’s premiership triumph after they beat the Knights by one point in a thrilling NRL Grand Final.
Cleary could fill the void left by Walker’s impending exit, although signing for the Roosters remains a far-fetched prospect.
The PNG Chiefs have also shown an interest in Cleary — who is continuing to recover from a compound fracture and dislocation of his left ankle, and broken bone in his right foot.
The Chiefs are expected to offer Cleary somewhere in the region of $1.7 million per year tax-free.
However, the Panthers remain in pole position to retain the league’s most valuable commodity.
Cleary recently penned a tribute to his girlfriend, Matildas star Mary Fowler, who announced her withdrawal from two friendly matches against Germany and Haiti due to “personal” reasons.
It was later confirmed she flew back to Sydney to care for her boyfriend.
“I simply do not have enough space in this caption for the amount of nice adjectives I would use to describe (Mary Fowler) but this woman is the absolute best!!!” he wrote.
“I can’t thank you enough for flying to the other side of the world to look after me and be by my side during this past week of recovery.
“I’m a very lucky man and so-so grateful.”
Fowler commented on the post, saying it was “easy to look after someone when they’re a BIG cutie patootie”.
“Feeling very blessed we got this time together,” she said. “I’m a very lucky girl.”
Originally published as ‘Wildcard’ twist in Nathan Cleary future saga as shock NRL club enter race after Sam Walker fallout