- Persistent rumour has tied Cleary to England switch
- Star didn’t rule it out during interview on English TV
Peter V’landys has exclusively told Daily Mail Australia what he’d do if the rumours about Nathan Cleary switching to English footy to be with his girlfriend Mary Fowler became reality.
The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman was at the barrier draw for this Saturday’s Everest race when he was asked about the possibility of the Penrith superstar shifting to Super League and responded: ‘I’d tackle him.’
V’landys’ response was lighthearted but it still shows how sensitive the NRL is to the prospect of losing the world’s best player.
The rumour about a possible move to be with Manchester City star Fowler began circulating before the Panthers won their fourth straight grand final, and it got a boost when footy legend turned TV star Matty Johns voiced his fears that the switch could become a reality.
‘My only fear with Nathan is him going to England puts him pretty much in the spotlight or basically he’s right in the backyard of these big French rugby clubs and European rugby clubs,’ Johns said.
‘And there would be a temptation there (to poach him). Some of them (rugby clubs) would probably look to make a bid sooner rather than later, that’s the only thing that would concern me.’
Last week, Penrith CEO Brian Fletcher got tongues wagging when he said the club’s head of football, Matt Cameron, has ‘got to bring Mary back to Australia’ so Cleary will have no reason to leave the team.
The halfback addressed the issue when he appeared on British TV while attending the Super League grand final between Wigan and Hull Kingston Rovers with Fowler last weekend.
A persistent rumour has tied Nathan Cleary to a move to England’s Super League competition so he can be closer to Mary Fowler
Footy supremo Peter V’landys (pictured) had a simple response when Daily Mail Australia asked what he’d do if the Penrith star tried to leave: ‘I’d tackle him’
Cleary refused to completely rule out the prospect of playing in Britain when he and Fowler attended last weekend’s Super League grand final (pictured)
‘There’s been these persistent rumours and they’re just not going away that perhaps we might see you playing in Super League in the not too distant future given that Mary Fowler, your beautiful girlfriend, is playing over here for Manchester City. So when can we see you in Super League – maybe Hull KR?’ asked TV commentator Jenna Brooks.
‘Not any time soon, to be honest,’ Cleary replied.
‘I’ve seen all the rumours. But get to come over here and see her [Mary] play, which is nice, and have a break.
‘But won’t be moving over here anytime soon.’
Fowler (pictured wearing a Penrith jersey during this year’s NRL grand final) is next to no chance of moving Down Under while she is still with Manchester City
Footy great Kris Radlinski – who was a star for Wigan before becoming the club’s CEO – later offered a prediction for what would happen if Cleary decides to pursue a life in England.
‘Obviously he’s the best player in the world, what he has done for many years is outstanding, and to have him there on Saturday night at Old Trafford was fantastic,’ Radlinski said, referring to the grand final.
‘I’m sure he saw the occasion and part of him fancied that. If Nathan’s name comes on the market, everybody would be trying to sign him.’
Cleary was also photographed with Hull KR stars Micky McIlorum and his good friend and former Panther, Tyrone May, in the lead-up to the Super League grand final.
The Penrith star also wore a Hull KR jersey to the match, which he attended with Fowler.