Keen To Come Nathan Cleary In Staggering Rugby Defection Claim As Nrl Exodus Looms

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'Keen to come': Nathan Cleary in staggering rugby defection claim as NRL exodus looms
'Keen to come': Nathan Cleary in staggering rugby defection claim as NRL exodus looms from

'Keen to come': Nathan Cleary in staggering rugby defection claim as NRL exodus looms

Is Nathan Cleary plotting a switch to rugby?

Nathan Cleary has fuelled speculation he could be the next NRL star to switch to rugby union, with a bombshell report claiming the Penrith halfback is "keen to come" to the rival code. According to The Daily Telegraph, Cleary is understood to be "seriously considering" a move to rugby union, with several cashed-up European clubs believed to be interested in securing his services. The report claims that Cleary is frustrated with the NRL's salary cap and the physical toll the game is taking on his body. He is also said to be keen to represent Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Cleary is one of the NRL's most marketable players, and his defection to rugby union would be a major blow to the code. He is considered one of the best halfbacks in the game, and has been instrumental in Penrith's recent success. The Panthers are reportedly desperate to keep Cleary, and have offered him a lucrative contract extension. However, it is understood that Cleary is torn between staying in the NRL and pursuing his dream of playing rugby union. If Cleary does make the switch, he would follow in the footsteps of several other high-profile NRL players, including Israel Folau, Sonny Bill Williams and Jarryd Hayne.

The NRL has been rocked by a number of high-profile player defections in recent years, with several stars opting to switch to rugby union. This has led to concerns that the NRL is struggling to keep its best players, and that the game is being damaged as a result.

If Cleary does leave the NRL, it would be another major blow to the code. He is one of the most popular players in the game, and his departure would leave a big hole in the Panthers' team.

The NRL is facing a number of challenges at the moment, including the rising popularity of rugby union, the salary cap and the physical toll the game is taking on players. The NRL needs to find a way to address these issues if it wants to keep its best players and remain the dominant code in Australia.