Andrew Johns on Nathan Cleary’s Future and the State of Origin Challenge
Andrew Johns, a former rugby league legend, has shared his thoughts on the future of Nathan Cleary, one of the most prominent players in Australian rugby league. According to Johns, the only remaining achievement for Cleary is to “own” a State of Origin series, after which he might consider moving overseas.
Johns also expressed doubts about whether Cleary could ever play for his beloved Penrith Panthers, especially as speculation grows about the superstar’s future following his father Ivan’s announcement that 2027 will be his final season as coach.
Cleary’s contract with the Panthers is set to expire at the end of next year, and many are now predicting that the four-time premiership winner may follow in his father’s footsteps by leaving the club.
A Possible Move to England or Papua New Guinea?
While the possibility of Cleary joining the Papua New Guinea Chiefs has been floated, the team is reportedly interested in signing him due to the lure of tax-free salaries. Additionally, his former teammate Jarome Luai has already agreed to join the expansion team in 2028.
However, Johns believes a move to England is more likely, given that Cleary’s partner, Mary Fowler, plays football for Manchester City. He said:
“Nathan will stay (at Penrith). I can only see him being a one-club man,” Johns said on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
“I think there would be more interest to go to England. Whether there’s an option in rugby union in Europe, or playing in the Super League over there. I know my mate Simon Moran from Warrington, who owns Warrington, would move heaven and earth and hell to get Nathan there.”
Johns added that if Cleary can win a State of Origin series this year, it would complete his list of achievements in Australian rugby league.
Cleary’s Record in State of Origin
Despite being the dominant halfback in the NRL for several years, Cleary has faced criticism for his performances at the representative level. He has played 17 Origin games for New South Wales since making his debut in 2018, but the Blues have won only eight of those matches.
His tenure as Blues halfback has included some notable losses, such as the “unlosable” series against Queensland in 2020 and 2025 when NSW had a stronger team but was outplayed and out-coached.
In 2019, the Blues won the series decider without Cleary, and they also won the 2024 series in his absence. This has led to comparisons between Cleary and Johns, although the latter dominated the Origin arena throughout his 23 Blues games.
The Future of Penrith Panthers
As for Penrith, Cleary is just one of several premiership players who are set to become free agents next year. His departure could mean that his successor, Peter Wallace, will have to start from scratch in 2028 when he takes over as coach.
Johns commented on Ivan Cleary’s impending exit, saying:
“If you have a look at Wayne Bennett, when Wayne has left clubs – notably St George Illawarra, they sort of dipped, when he left Newcastle they had a big dip – it’s like following Bradman into bat really.”
He added that while Peter Wallace is a great guy, he will need to implement his own philosophies, which could pose a challenge for the team.
“Their senior group is coming to an end,” Johns said. “When you look at Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin, these guys might take some big money to go to Perth or PNG. We keep hearing about Brian To’o going to PNG with his mate Jarome Luai, and big mail about Liam Martin going there, Mitch Kenny… it’s an interesting time out there.”
Current Standing of the Panthers
The Panthers currently sit at the top of the NRL ladder heading into Magic Round. With the future of key players uncertain, the coming season promises to be an exciting one for fans of the game.
