- Hamish McLennan says rugby should throw a lot of money at Cleary
- McLennan signed young star Joseph Suaalii to megabucks contract
Former Rugby Australia president Hamish McLennan believes NRL superstar Nathan Cleary should be the rival code’s next target after signing youngster Joseph Suaalii.
Suaalii just finished his first week as a professional rugby player after signing a controversial megabucks contract with the struggling code in 2023.
McLennan, who was removed as chairman on November 19 last year, says the deal has already paid for itself.
“Joseph has already generated a huge amount of interest in rugby and has paid for himself time and time again,” McLennan said. SMH.
“He is a global rugby superstar before he even puts on a Wallaby jersey, and will be a wonderful role model for aspiring young players.”
‘The Wallabies’ poor performance over decades means they need investment at the top level to generate value in sponsorship, media rights and crowds. We haven’t won a World Cup since 1999, and a Bledisloe Cup for 23 years, so we don’t need any more evidence that the system needs an overhaul and centralisation.’
McLennan wants the NRL recruiting drive to continue and is urging rugby to open its checkbook for Panthers playmaker Nathan Cleary.
“I’d be having a chance with the likes of Nathan Cleary and a few others,” he said.
Former Rugby Australia president Hamish McLennan believes NRL superstar Nathan Cleary should be the rival code’s next target.
McLennan says he wants NRL recruitment drive to continue
‘The game needs five more Josephs as the ’27 World Cup (to be played in Australia) is just around the corner and the clock is ticking… Thank God for Joseph, because that’s the only thing everyone world speaks.
“Australia is ranked number 10 in the world and needs an injection of talent or there will be nothing left to sell.”
Cleary, 26, is currently on holiday abroad with his girlfriend, soccer star Mary Fowler.
Fowler plays for Manchester City and rumors continue that Cleary will seek a new sporting challenge.
The rider quelled speculation at the grand finale in the UK, stating: “I won’t be moving here anytime soon.”
Cleary’s current contract with Penrith expires at the end of 2027, the same year as his father and coach Ivan.
Cleary is currently on holiday in the UK with his girlfriend Mary Fowler.
“I’ve seen all the rumors, but it’s nice to come here and watch Mary play… (also) it’s nice to have a break,” the No. 7 champion said.
Once Cleary returns to Australia, he will undergo shoulder surgery.
He told his mother Rebecca in September it was a matter of nursing the injury until the NRL finals.
“I told mum I had to play three games, and that would be it,” Cleary said after the 14-6 grand final victory over the Melbourne Storm on October 6 at Accor Stadium.
“I knew if I worked hard I could come back (from injury) for those games and be sweet.”
“It worked.”