Nathan Cleary Turns Down Wallabies Switch, Commits Future to Penrith Panthers
In a decisive move that has quelled weeks of speculation, Nathan Cleary has officially turned down an approach from incoming Wallabies head coach Les Kiss, opting instead to stay with the Penrith Panthers for the foreseeable future.
The 26-year-old Kangaroos and New South Wales Blues halfback had been the subject of growing speculation surrounding a potential code switch to rugby union. The buzz began when dual World Cup winner Tim Horan suggested Rugby Australia (RA) could target Cleary as part of its long-term vision to revitalise the Wallabies.
That speculation intensified when Les Kiss, who is set to take over from current coach Joe Schmidt after the 2025 Rugby Championship, publicly described Cleary as an “asset” and admitted Rugby Australia would be “foolish not to have the conversation.”
However, Cleary has now shut down any notion of abandoning the 13-man game, reaffirming his loyalty to the Panthers during a press conference on Tuesday morning.
“It’s flattering, of course,” Cleary said when asked about the offer. “Les [Kiss] is a great coach and the Wallabies are an iconic team. But my heart’s with Penrith. This club has shaped me into the player I am today, and I’m not ready to walk away just yet.”
The timing of the rumours had stirred further intrigue, with Cleary’s girlfriend, professional footballer Mary Fowler, recently revealing she is set to continue her career abroad—likely in Europe. Her admission sparked further talk that Cleary may be preparing to follow her overseas or make a dramatic shift to rugby union to facilitate a more mobile career.
But Cleary made it clear that while his long-term future remains open-ended, his immediate focus is firmly rooted in the NRL and helping the Panthers chase more silverware.
“Mary’s doing what’s best for her career, and I support her 100%. But we’ve always found ways to make it work,” he added. “Right now, I’ve got unfinished business with Penrith. We’ve built something special here, and I want to be a part of it for a bit longer.”
Cleary’s decision is a blow to Rugby Australia’s ambitious recruitment plans, which have seen them chase several high-profile NRL stars in a bid to rebuild the Wallabies ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
While Les Kiss expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity, he acknowledged Cleary’s commitment to his club and the game of rugby league.
“Nathan is a generational talent, and you always want the best athletes in your side,” Kiss said in response to the news. “But I respect his decision and admire the loyalty he’s shown to Penrith. That says a lot about his character.”
With Cleary’s immediate future settled, the Panthers will be buoyed by the news as they prepare for the second half of the NRL season. Meanwhile, the Wallabies will continue their search for a marquee signing to spearhead a new era under Kiss.
For now, the code switch that had fans and media buzzing has been put to rest—at least temporarily.
