Ivan Cleary has left the door ajar on a potential cross-code switch for son Nathan, saying “maybe, who knows?” when asked whether the Panthers star could one day play rugby.
The halfback remains contracted to Penrith for another two seasons and shows no sign of slowing down in the NRL, having already won four straight titles and established himself as one of the modern greats.
But whispers of a future in rugby union continue to grow louder, fanned most recently by Wallabies legend Tim Horan and now gently acknowledged by his father.
“That’s down the track”
“Nathan’s here for another two years, so that’s where he’s going to be,” Ivan said on Friday. “Nat’s a pretty open-minded kid. That’s down the track, so maybe, who knows? But he’s contracted here for another two years, so that’s what he’s doing.”
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The speculation isn’t without weight. Cleary’s partner, Matildas star Mary Fowler, plays football in Europe, a move abroad that could one day appeal to the Penrith No.7.
Asked whether his son keeps up with the noise, Ivan added: “I don’t think he reads too much stuff (so it doesn’t worry him). He’s got his own little circle, so I don’t think he’s too fussed.”
As for whether the switch would suit his son, Ivan was blunt: “I’m sure he’d be able to play OK. I don’t think he’s ever played. He’d have to avoid all the rucks, kick and goal kick, so he’d go all right.”
For now, though, the Clearys are firmly focused on Sunday’s clash with the Wests Tigers, a match that pits Nathan against former halves partner and close friend Jarome Luai for the first time in the NRL.