Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt has weighed in on swirling speculation linking Nathan Cleary to a move from league to union, saying he wouldn't be shocked if the NRL superstar wanted to "spread his wings", but maintained his focus is firmly on the players already in camp.
The Penrith Panthers halfback became the centre of cross-code chatter after Wallabies legend Tim Horan claimed on Stan Sport's Rugby Heaven that Cleary was "quite keen" on making the leap.
Speaking in Brisbane on Friday, Schmidt acknowledged the player's sporting pedigree and background.
"I watched the State of Origin," Schmidt told reporters. "He obviously went to Sacred Heart College in New Zealand when Ivan (Cleary) was coaching the Warriors. That’s (All Blacks great) Sean Fitzpatrick country, that’s Taniela Tupou country. So it’s certainly a rugby school."
"He played soccer as a young man. He’s played league, so, you know, he might want to spread his wings and play another sport."
Schmidt focused on current crop of playmakers
While Schmidt admitted Cleary’s resume and athletic versatility make him a plausible candidate, he stopped short of endorsing a code-switch push, saying the Wallabies already have strong contenders in the No. 10 role.
"We’ve got a really good stock there that we’re focused on in the very short term," he said.
Schmidt also praised Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh, who made his debut for the national side last year and remains firmly in the Wallabies’ plans.
“Tommy’s a really great player... his kicking game is long enough, his passing game is efficient, and he’s growing into a guy who can drive the game around the field.”
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s big-money jump to the union last year remains fresh in memory, but as of now, Cleary hasn’t publicly declared any intent to leave Penrith.
Still, with a home Rugby World Cup just two years away, rugby officials are unlikely to ignore a player of his calibre.