Penrith and New South Wales champion Nathan Cleary says his desire to succeed in rugby league is stronger than ever, despite rumors he could head to rugby union now that he has conquered his state of origin.
In February, Cleary said he was “open to” a move to rugby union, fueling talk that he could move to Europe to embrace the 15-man code.
Nathan Cleary celebrates one of his two tries in this year’s State of Origin decider. Getty
Those rumors grew even louder after he was named man of the match in last Wednesday night’s Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium in the Blues’ 30-12 win.
Many wonder what motivates a player who has achieved almost everything that can be achieved in rugby league.
Reality? Plenty.
“If anything, that enthusiasm is probably growing even more,” Cleary told 9News on Monday.
“It just feels like that. I feel like I can become a lot better.
“When you can have some success, it becomes addictive and you just want more.
“I’ve always said rugby league is my passion. I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember, so it will always be life for me.”
Until last Wednesday night, Cleary had already won four NRL premierships, a World Cup and an Ashes series.
The midfielder also won two Clive Churchill medals and three Dally M Midfielder of the Year awards.
He then scored two tries and was generally out of control to inspire him to win the Origin decider and do what his critics insisted he simply had to do.
Adding to the speculation surrounding Cleary’s future is that he could become a free agent.
Penrith is contracted until the end of 2027 and will be free to negotiate with rival NRL clubs from November 1 unless he signs a new contract before then.
When asked by 9News’ Danny Weidler on Monday, Cleary said he was unsure whether he would reach free agent status or sign a new contract with Penrith.
“I’ll think about it over the next few weeks,” he said.
Joining European rugby would allow Cleary to live much closer to his partner Mary Fowler, a Matildas star who plays for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.