Rugby league legend Matty Johns has floated a bold idea for rival clubs hoping to lure Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary away.
Cleary, 27, remains contracted to the Panthers until the end of 2027 on a reported $1.3 million per season. But with Dylan Brown securing a 10-year, $13 million deal to leave Parramatta for Newcastle, Johns believes clubs will need to think creatively if they want to prise marquee talent from their current sides.
His suggestion? Tempt Cleary with the prospect of a coaching pathway once his playing career wraps up.
“If I owned a club, this is exactly what I’d do — and I would have done the same with Cameron Smith,” Johns told SEN.
He explained that if Penrith coach Ivan Cleary were suddenly unavailable, Nathan could step in immediately.
“I’m telling you, Nathan could coach that side tomorrow. It’s a no-brainer.”
Johns outlined his plan: a 10-year contract, with seven or eight years as a player before transitioning into a coaching role.
“The idea is that within four or five years of retiring, he becomes a head coach. You’re essentially signing him for life.”
However, Johns stressed that this approach wouldn’t suit every star.
“I don’t think it would work with Kalyn Ponga — he’s a different style of player. And I’m not sure about Harry Grant either, given the physical toll he takes running through the middle,” Johns said.
“Cameron Smith was hard to pin down — like trying to tackle water. Harry, on the other hand, cops a lot of punishment. That’s the only thing stopping me from offering him a 10-year deal.”
