Penrith Panthers could be facing a major shake-up, with speculation intensifying around star halfback Nathan Cleary potentially switching codes. Rumours of Cleary eyeing a move to rugby union have gathered momentum after his father and Panthers coach, Ivan Cleary, appeared non-committal when asked about his son’s long-term future.
In a recent interview, Ivan admitted “nothing is ever off the table” when it comes to Nathan’s career decisions. This comment has sparked concern among Panthers fans, especially with reports linking the halfback to a potential Wallabies bid ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, to be hosted in Australia.
Nathan Cleary, widely regarded as one of the NRL’s top playmakers, has led Penrith to multiple premierships and is under contract until 2027. However, rugby union’s big-money offers and the chance to test himself on the international stage may be tempting the 26-year-old.
The Panthers now face a potential crisis, not just in retaining their marquee player, but also in maintaining long-term stability. With no firm denial from either Cleary or his camp, speculation is only set to grow, leaving fans and the club bracing for a possible code switch bombshell.
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