20 February 2024 , 12:01
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Widley dubbed the world’s best player, Australian ace Nathan Cleary has revealed he fancies a crack at Super League.
The Kangaroos superstar is in England with Penrith preparing for Saturday’s World Club Challenge showdown against Wigan. New South Wales State of Origin scrum-half Cleary, 26, has earned legendary status after helping Panthers to an historic three successive NRL Grand Final triumphs. A huge poster boy down under, the master tactician also helped the Aussies win the World Cup final at Old Trafford 15 months ago.
And now he’s back in Manchester looking to put Penrith on top of the world. Asked if he’d ever fancy swapping Sydney’s bright lights and beaches to play Super League, Cleary - contracted with Panthers until the end of 2027 - admitted: “Yes, I’m not against it. I have a pretty open mind to that kind of stuff. I think just being able to experience different cultures and different experiences is something I enjoy doing. I’m not closed off to that idea.”
Panthers are staying in Manchester ahead of the sold-out DW Stadium clash. And Cleary, who’s dating Manchester City and Matildas forward Mary Fowler, has loved returning to the city. He said: “I was lucky enough to spend almost two months in Manchester for the World Cup and really enjoyed it.
“I’m lucky enough to know a bit about the town now and know where everything is so it’s good to be back. I actually really like just being able to wander around the streets and no one knows who you are. I think I’ve only been recognised once. It’s a nice change [to Sydney].”
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Penrith are using City’s training facilities this week and saw them in Premier League action last weekend. However, Cleary, whose brilliant late try completed an astonishing Grand Final comeback against Brisbane last autumn, is a massive self-confessed Man United fan. He admitted: “It is a bit weird.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers poses with the Provan-Summons Trophy after winning the 2023 NRL Grand Final match between Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos. (Getty Images)"But you have still got to appreciate how good Man City are. I do have admiration for them even though I’m a big United fan. We went to City against Chelsea on Saturday. It was pretty cool being out there. I’ve been to a couple now and a couple of United games. I still prefer Old Trafford.”
But the main business is cracking Super League champions Wigan, especially after Penrith’s hopes of a maiden World Club Challenge were scuppered by St Helens’ shock in Sydney last year. Co-captain Cleary conceded: “We went down against Saints. And it hurts.
"But we’re lucky enough to get a chance at some redemption to try and turn that around. It’s a different team in Wigan, though, and they are a great side. The speed and X-factor obviously comes from Jai [Field] and Bevan [French]. But they have great strength across the park. We’ll need to play well.”
Warriors are also boosted after England scrum-half Harry Smith somehow escaped a ban from Monday’s match review panel for a dangerous tip tackle. Cleary joked: “Fancy that!"
He added: "From what I have seen of him, I really rate him. He’s a great player with a great kicking game. I am glad he is playing: you want to test yourself against the best. It’s a great opportunity for us. As a club, we haven’t won a World Club Challenge so that’s another thing we want to do: it’s the final trophy in the cabinet."
Meanwhile, another NRL star has confirmed he is on his way to Super League. Three-time Grand Final-winning Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 35, has revealed this will be his final season with the club where he has played almost 300 games. The veteran New Zealand forward will move to the UK for his swansong with Hull KR favourites to land him for 2025.