Nathan Cleary 'keen' on incredible switch from NRL to international rugby union

The world's best rugby league player, Nathan Cleary, is reportedly interested in trying his hand at rugby union. That's the message from the former head of Rugby Australia, who alleges that he was approached by a third party about Cleary switching codes.

Cleary has made a name for himself as a top talent in rugby league, being hailed as the best player in the game after leading Penrith to four consecutive NRL titles. However, following Joseph Suaalii's successful switch from Sydney Roosters to Australian rugby union, Cleary could potentially be next.

Hamish McLennan, the recently-departed head of Rugby Australia, told the Daily Telegraph that he was informed that Cleary and several other frontline NRL players were considering a code switch. "Earlier this year, I got told Cleary and a few other top NRL players were keen to come to rugby via a third party," said McLennan.

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He added: "It wasn’t directed at me, but I believe it was all real. Perhaps they (Cleary and the other NRL players) were wanting to test the waters with a few people, but by then I had left Rugby Australia. I left it alone as I felt it had nothing to do with me."

McLennan, who orchestrated the deal that brought Suaalii to Rugby Australia before his departure, reiterated his belief that efforts should be made to bring Cleary over to union before the next Rugby World Cup, as well as another of the NRL's best.

"I think the next two players Rugby Australia should look to target are Nathan Cleary and Payne Haas," he said. "It would be an amazing experience for Nathan. Signing Cleary would be a game changer for the code and add millions in the TV rights deal coming up."

Cleary has done it all in rugby league. He has won four premierships with Penrith and played State of Origin and Test football.

"Rugby Australia should get him for the next World Cup in Australia. Nathan Cleary would be phenomenal."

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