Nathan Cleary has firmly quashed speculation suggesting he could switch codes to rugby union in a bid to be closer to his girlfriend, Matildas star Mary Fowler.
The NSW Blues and Penrith Panthers playmaker addressed the growing rumours from the State of Origin camp, delivering his strongest denial yet and insisting his focus remains squarely on rugby league.
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Recent reports had fuelled conjecture that the 27-year-old might explore a move to England or France—home to many rugby union powerhouses and coincidentally where Fowler plays for Manchester City.
However, Cleary made it clear on Thursday that such a transition is not on his radar, emphasizing his passion for league and the importance of capitalizing on his prime years.
“I think I’ve got enough challenges in front of me playing rugby league,” Cleary told NCA NewsWire. “I’ve put so much into it, and it’s been my passion for so long. I don’t want to waste the opportunity I have now when I feel like I’m playing my best footy.”
Cleary remains under contract with the Panthers until the end of the 2027 season and is in line for a record-breaking extension should he recommit. He added that while he does admire the international rugby union scene—having grown up watching it in New Zealand—his heart is firmly with league.
“I love rugby league too much to even process that right now,” he said. “Maybe later in life I’ll consider it, but definitely not at the moment.”
Cleary’s father and coach, Ivan Cleary, echoed the sentiment last week, reaffirming that Nathan is committed to Penrith for at least the next two seasons.
“He’s got his own little circle, so I don’t think he’s too fussed about the rumours,” Ivan said.
As State of Origin Game 2 looms, Cleary is focused on leading NSW alongside Jarome Luai, reinforcing that any talk of a code switch is premature and unfounded—for now.
