$10 million and the chance to move closer to girlfriend Mary Fowler might be too good an offer to refuse for Nathan Cleary. At least that’s the general consensus amongst fans after the Penrith Panthers superstar was linked to cashed-up rebel rugby comp R360 this week.
Reports have emerged that Cleary’s name is top of a ‘hit-list’ of NRL players that R360 officials want to try and poach. It’s believed the top players like Cleary and Reece Walsh could earn as much as $10 million for just two seasons in the breakaway competition being likened to LIV Golf.
A ‘source’ told News Corp: “This is real and credible – it’s Super League 2.0. History is repeating itself.”
The likes of Payne Haas, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax and Jye Gray have all found themselves in the sights of R360 officials, with tax breaks and a chance to travel the world on offer. Players wouldn’t have to live in the city where they play, with teams set to be based in London, Miami, Tokyo, Dubai, Boston, Cape Town, Lisbon and Madrid.
Mary Fowler lure could tempt Nathan Cleary to switch
The fact a team will be based in London has fuelled speculation that Cleary could very well be tempted. And it makes a lot of sense when you consider Fowler plays for Manchester City and spends the majority of her year in the UK.
Cleary is under contract with Penrith until the end of 2027, by which time the R360 picture will be a lot clearer. The rebel comp is slated to start in October next year, but as many have pointed out it remains to be seen how successful it will be.
Interestingly, Fowler only re-signed with Manchester City on a one-year deal this month. She’s now under contract until 2027, which ties her future to that of boyfriend Cleary.
One person wrote on social media this week: “$10 million and tax free?? I mean Cleary could be tempted. Puts him closer to Mary. Has won 4 titles, granted he hasn’t owned or even put his significant footprint on Origin. But everywhere else he has dominated.”
Another commented: “If he plays for the supposed London side and is closer to Mary as a result? Couldn’t blame him…” While a third added: “You cant be mad at him if does go to R360 for a couple of years to pick up $5mil a year. He would be mad not to.”
Would the NRL ban Nathan Cleary from returning?
Crucially, it might mean Cleary is banned from every returning to the NRL. The league is seeking legal advice on what sanctions it can impose on any player who defects to sign with R360.
NRL officials met with club bosses via a teleconference on Friday morning, with the threat of R360 the main point of discussion. Clubs are keen for the NRL to consider action against any player who leaves for the rebel competition, as well as agents who drive their clients towards the league.
One option remains the possibility of banning players from ever returning to the NRL if they switch codes. Cleary has admitted he’s open to the idea of playing union, but a switch to R360 would rule him out of representing the Wallabies as Rugby Australia have said R360 players will be barred from international duty. The same stance has also been taken from the rugby unions of New Zealand, South Afirca, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy.
This week, Parramatta halfback Mitch Moses admitted players would be drawn to the competition, with the Eels open to considering a release for Lomax if he requests one. “Any time that money is being tossed around (it’s a lure),” Moses said.
“Especially if players have done a lot in the game already and want to get their pay day. It’s up to them. It will obviously be tough on rugby league if it happens and we lose a couple of our big names, but we’ll survive.”
