- A persistent rumor has linked Cleary with England switch
- Star did not rule it out during an interview on English television
Peter V’landys has exclusively told Daily Mail Australia what he would do if rumors of Nathan Cleary switching to English football to be with his girlfriend Mary Fowler came true.
The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman was at the barrier draw for Saturday’s Everest race when he was asked about the possibility of the Penrith superstar moving up to Super League and replied: “I would address it.”
V’landys’ response was lighthearted, but it still shows how sensitive the NRL is to the prospect of losing the best player in the world.
Rumor about a possible move to be with Manchester City star Fowler began circulating before the Panthers won their fourth successive grand final, and received a boost when football legend turned TV star Matty Johns expressed his fears that change could become reality.
“My only fear with Nathan is that his trip to England will put him in the spotlight or that he will basically be right in the backyard of these big French and European rugby clubs,” Johns said.
‘And there would be a temptation (to poach him). “Some of them (rugby clubs) would probably look to make an offer sooner rather than later, that’s the only thing I would worry about.”
Last week, Penrith chief executive Brian Fletcher set tongues wagging when he said the club’s director of football, Matt Cameron, “has to bring Mary back to Australia” so Cleary has no reason to leave the team.
The rider addressed the issue when he appeared on British television while attending the Super League grand final between Wigan and Hull Kingston Rovers with Fowler last weekend.
A persistent rumor has linked Nathan Cleary with a move to the English Super League competition so he can be closer to Mary Fowler.
Football supremo Peter V’landys (pictured) had a simple answer when asked by Daily Mail Australia what he would do if the Penrith star tried to leave: “I would address it.”
Cleary refused to completely rule out the possibility of playing in Britain when he and Fowler attended the Super League grand final last weekend (pictured).
“There have been persistent rumors and they are not going to go away that we might see you playing in the Super League in the not too distant future, given that Mary Fowler, your beautiful girlfriend, is playing here for Manchester City. So when can we see you?” in the Super League, maybe at Hull KR? asked TV commentator Jenna Brooks.
“To be honest, not anytime soon,” Cleary responded.
‘I’ve seen all the rumours. But come here and watch (Mary) play, which is nice, and take a break.
“But we’re not moving here anytime soon.”
Fowler (pictured in a Penrith shirt during this year’s NRL grand final) has almost no chance of moving to Australia while he is still with Manchester City.
Football great Kris Radlinski, who was a Wigan star before becoming the club’s chief executive, later offered a prediction of what would happen if Cleary decides to pursue a life in England.
“He’s obviously the best player in the world, what he’s done for many years is extraordinary, 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 opportunity and a part of him liked it. If Nathan’s name appears on the market, everyone will try to sign him.
Cleary was also pictured with Hull KR stars Micky McIlorum and good friend and former Panther Tyrone May in the run-up to the Super League grand final.
The Penrith star also wore a Hull KR shirt at the match, which he attended with Fowler.
