{"id":429385,"date":"2026-05-15T19:02:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T19:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/429385\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T19:02:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T19:02:09","slug":"andrew-johns-makes-shock-call-on-clearys-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/429385\/","title":{"rendered":"Andrew Johns makes shock call on Cleary’s future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Andrew Johns has tipped superstar Nathan Cleary<\/a> to leave the country if he can ice an Origin series, which is looking likely this year.<\/p>\n

There is simply nothing else for him to conjure in the NRL<\/a>, says Johns, who thinks he will leave the NRL<\/a> in 2028 following his illustrious career to date.<\/p>\n

With Cleary’s contract expiring at the end of 2027, and publicly expressing that he is happy to see what is out there, it could see him leave the Panthers.<\/p>\n

Along with his father Ivan stepping down from coaching duties at the same time, it would be a perfect farewell for the maestro halfback.<\/p>\n

PNG Chiefs<\/a> have been floated around as a potential landing spot for Cleary, given former teammate and good friend Jarome Luai<\/a> committed to terms with the expansion club.<\/p>\n

Although Johns thinks a trip to England<\/a> is more likely for Cleary, indicating that he believes he won’t ever want to play against the black jersey.<\/p>\n

“Nathan will stay (at Penrith). I can only see him being a one-club man,” Johns said on Wide World of Sports’\u00a0Immortal Behaviour.<\/p>\n

“I think there would be more interest in going to England<\/a>. Whether there’s an option in rugby union in Europe, or playing in the Super League<\/a> over there.<\/p>\n

“I know my mate Simon Moran from Warrington, who owns Warrington, would move heaven and earth and hell to get Nathan there.<\/p>\n

“He’s done everything here, we know that. And this year, if he owns Origin, then that is ticked off.<\/p>\n

“We will soon see.”<\/p>\n

Despite being a four-time premiership-winning halfback and clutching a 2023 Grand Final win, Cleary still has many critics surrounding his ability to rise in the Origin arena for the NSW Blues<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cleary has amassed 17 appearances in the sky blue, but holds a negative record with nine losses and eight wins.<\/p>\n

In 2019 and 2024, Cleary was absent from the squad in both deciders, which saw the Blues<\/a> win both series.<\/p>\n

He was also part of the infamous 2020 series, where the highly publicised “worst Queensland team ever”, stated by Blues<\/a> legend Paul Gallen<\/a>, saw the Maroons<\/a> win the title.<\/p>\n

If Cleary can orchestrate a series win for the Blues<\/a> in 2026, there is indisputable evidence that he is one of the greatest of all time.<\/p>\n

The eighth immortal also shared concerns about the long-term future of the Panthers, given teams in the NRL<\/a> have a record of falling into a downward trajectory following the departure of a highly successful coach.<\/p>\n

Panthers life member and former club skipper Peter Wallace<\/a> will replace Cleary on a three-year deal following his departure.<\/p>\n

“If you have a look at Wayne Bennett<\/a>, 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 added when speaking on Ivan’s decision to step down next year.<\/p>\n

“Peter Wallace<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

“They’ve got that senior group, but also the senior group is coming to an end.<\/p>\n

“When you look at Isaah Yeo<\/a>, Dylan Edwards<\/a>, and Liam Martin<\/a>, these guys might take some big money to go to Perth or PNG. We keep hearing about Brian To’o<\/a> going to PNG with his mate Jarome Luai<\/a>, and big mail about Liam Martin<\/a> going there, Mitch Kenny<\/a>… It’s an interesting time out there.<\/p>\n

“It’s going to be a big job for Peter Wallace<\/a>.”<\/p>\n

Following Cleary’s bombshell coaching announcement on Wednesday, the Panthers now turn their attention towards the St George Illawarra Dragons<\/a> on Sunday night at Magic Round<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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