LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Nathan Cleary, the 'Prince of Penrith,' is considered one of the greatest Panthers of all time at just 27 years old.
After winning four premierships under his father and coach Ivan Cleary, he is on track to retire as a Penrith Panthers legend.
However, rugby league figure Matty Johns has proposed a strategy to get Cleary to a rival club by 2028.
Johns suggests that clubs should follow in the footsteps of the Newcastle Knights, who secured Dylan Brown in a long-term deal.
Johns stated, "If I owned the club, this is what I'd do and it would have been the same with Cameron Smith." This strategic approach aims to attract marquee players away from their current teams in order to strengthen rival clubs.
By implementing this strategy, clubs can secure top talent and potentially weaken their competitors in the process.
This move could reshape the landscape of the NRL and create a more competitive environment among teams vying for success.
It remains to be seen if Cleary will consider leaving Penrith in the future, but Johns' plan offers a blueprint for clubs looking to secure elite players and elevate their status in the league.
As Cleary continues to excel on the field, his future in the NRL will be a topic of speculation and intrigue for fans and analysts alike.